Quality Control Technician

Shift Based: 40 hours per week - Rotating 6am to 2pm and 2pm to 10pm

Location: Leek, Staffordshire, UK

Role Purpose

The QC Technician provides independent, on-line verification that all in-process quality checks are completed correctly, on time and to specification across every production line. This returns ownership of check verification from Operations to Quality and gives assurance that start-up and hourly checks are carried out, accurately recorded and acted upon.

The role supports the site's ZERO DEFECT policy for packaging, labelling and coding. It is also the Quality decision point for "grey area" defects that Operations or Engineering can't fully fix and that need a commercial run/no-run decision.

There is one QC Technician per shift, covering all lines. This is a verification, challenge and escalation role, not a laboratory role. There is no lab on site, and micro and chemistry testing is handled by QA through contract laboratories.

Responsibilities

1. On-Line Check Verification

• Verify start-up checks are completed and signed off before each line runs, and that hourly checks are carried out across all lines.
• Escalate grey area stoppages to the QA / Technical Manager with samples and photos, and record the decision, volume affected and stock disposition.

3. Documentation, Traceability & Data Integrity

• Ensure all in-process and QC verification records are complete, accurate and contemporaneous for every line, every shift.
• Maintain traceability between checks, batches and finished product, retaining defect samples and reference packs.
• Support QA with records during audits.

4. Non-Conformance, Investigation & Continuous Improvement

• Raise non-conformances for check failures, missed checks and zero defect breaches.
• Support root cause analysis and CAPA verification for repeat defects.
• Trend failures by line, shift and product to spot emerging risks.

5. Factory Engagement & Quality Culture

• Maintain a visible shop floor presence and act as the first point of contact for on-shift quality queries.
• Coach production teams on check standards, GMP and zero defect expectations, promoting a positive quality culture.

6. Health, Safety, ESG & General

• Follow all health & safety, food safety, hygiene, PPE and environmental requirements.
• Act with integrity and transparency in all quality reporting.
• Carry out other reasonable duties in line with business priorities.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Experience working in a food manufacturing environment (ideally 1–3 years).
• Level 2 qualification in Food Safety & Hygiene (Level 3 desirable).
• Knowledge of GMP, hygiene standards, and factory compliance requirements.
• Numerate and literate, with the ability to complete accurate records and documentation.
• Understanding of in-process checks such as seal integrity, weight control, coding, and labelling.

Desirable

• Level 2 HACCP certification.
• Experience in a similar QA / QC role within food manufacturing.
• Awareness of standards such as BRCGS Food Safety.
• Experience in blended powder or dry ingredients manufacturing.
• Exposure to internal audit or verification activities.

Key Skills / Behaviours

• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Confidence to challenge and to stop the line where standards are not met
• Good communication skills across shop floor teams
• Ability to follow procedures consistently
• Proactive and organised
• High degrees of honesty, integrity and confidentiality
• Professional, approachable, collaborative demeanour
• Hands-on, can-do attitude
• Good team player
• Solutions orientated

Why join Allicio?

At Allicio, quality is at the heart of what we do. As our QC Technician, you'll own a role that makes a visible difference on the shop floor every shift. You'll be trusted to make key quality calls and help drive our zero defect standards. We'll support your development, whether that's building your technical expertise or progressing towards a QA role.

This role is responsible for verification of online checks and zero defect assessment only. There is no laboratory on site, and this role carries out no analytical or microbiological testing. Ownership of food safety systems, HACCP and CCP verification, environmental monitoring, audit management, and positive release sits with the QA / Technical function.

Due to the high number of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be responded to. If you have not heard from us within 2 weeks, your application has unfortunately not been successful on this occasion and we wish you every success with your role search