QA Assistant

The Company

Caterite Food & Wineservice Limited is a leading food and drink wholesaler based in the Lake District delivering to customers in the North of England and Scotland. After 50 years of Foodservice, we are entering a new chapter in our history, whilst staying true to our values and service which has guided our success so far.

We are in an exciting period of transformational change with significant developments since the company was acquired by METRO in 2024. METRO is an international specialist in food wholesale, a partner of many small and mid-sized independent companies who have made it their goal to lift the food and hospitality sector to a new level.

The Role

We are seeking a proactive and organised QA Assistant to support our QA & Compliance function and help maintain high standards of food safety, quality and compliance across the business.

Reporting to the QA & Compliance Manager, you will support the day-to-day delivery of our food safety and quality controls, including product and hygiene checks, supplier and product information, record management, customer complaints and audit activity.

This is a hands-on role where attention to detail is essential. You’ll work closely with colleagues across the business to ensure procedures are followed, records are accurate and any issues or non-conformances are identified and addressed promptly.

We’re looking for someone who is organised, thorough and confident communicating with others, with a genuine interest in food safety, quality and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the day-to-day implementation and monitoring of food safety and quality controls across the site.
• Carry out the agreed Control Plan, including checks relating to in-house products, Own Brand products and hygiene standards.
• Support the management and maintenance of the Own Brand (OB) system.
• Maintain and control product specifications, ensuring information and records remain accurate and up to date.
• Assist with the supplier approval process and maintenance of approved supplier records.
• Maintain QA records and documentation in line with company procedures and food safety requirements.
• Manage and investigate customer complaints, working with relevant departments to identify causes and appropriate actions.
• Complete and maintain departmental KPIs.
• Support the investigation of non-conformances, including identifying root causes and monitoring corrective and preventative actions.
• Assist with internal and external audits, including preparation of documentation and follow-up of agreed actions.
• Support microbiological testing, traceability and other food safety activities as required.
• Work collaboratively with operational teams to promote high standards of food safety, quality, hygiene and compliance.

Requirements

• Previous experience within a QA, food safety, technical or compliance environment.
• Experience within foodservice, food manufacturing, FMCG or a similar environment.
• Good understanding of food safety, hygiene and quality standards.
• HACCP and/or Food Safety qualifications would be advantageous.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Confident IT user with good working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to work with colleagues across different departments.
• Able to investigate issues, identify relevant information and support practical solutions.
• Proactive, reliable and comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
• A positive approach to continuous improvement and maintaining high standards.
• Occasional travel to sites.

Benefits

• £500 refer-a-friend scheme
• Discounted company shopping account
• 28 days holiday plus day for birthday
• Company pension (People’s Pension)
• Long service award

Schedule: 5 days Monday to Friday with flexible availability

Location: On site

Work Location: In person