Role Purpose

To provide independent, on-line verification that all in-process quality checks are completed correctly, on time, and to specification across every production line. The Quality Control (QC) Technician returns ownership of online check verification from Operations to Quality, giving assurance that start-up and hourly checks are being carried out, recorded accurately, and acted upon.

The role directly supports the site's baseline ZERO DEFECT policy for packaging, labelling, and coding quality, acting as the Quality decision-support point for “grey area” defects that cannot be fully rectified by Operations or Engineering and which require a commercial run / no-run decision.

There is one QC Technician per shift, covering all lines. This is a verification, challenge, and escalation role; it is not a laboratory role. There is no laboratory on site and no analytical or microbiological testing (e.g. moisture, particle size, titrations) is carried out by this role; micro and chemistry testing is managed by QA through contract laboratories.

Responsibilities

1. On-Line Check Verification

• Verify that line start-up checks have been completed, recorded, and signed off before production commences on each line.

• Verify hourly in-process checks across all lines throughout the shift, including:

  • Seal Integrity / leak checks

  • Net weight and weight control

  • Date code and batch number accuracy and legibility

  • Label application, alignment, and accuracy

  • Metal detection, x-ray, and sieve check records (verification of completion)

    • Confirm checks are carried out at the defined frequency, using calibrated equipment, and against the correct specification, artwork, and coding instruction.

    • Challenge and re-check any result that is missing, inconsistent, or out of trend.

    • Ensure any failed check is escalated immediately and that Operations complete the required bracketing and product hold.

    • Hand over open issues and unverified checks to the incoming shift QC Technician.

2. Zero Defect - Packaging, Labelling & Coding Quality

• Apply the site's baseline ZERO DEFECT policy for packaging, labelling, and coding quality across all lines.

• Assess and record defects that fall into “grey” areas — those that cannot be 100% rectified by Operations or Engineering and which require a commercial decision as to whether to run, including:

  • Rough-looking packs - out-of-line seals, creasing of pouches and sachets

  • Powder residue on the outside of packs

  • Out-of-alignment labels

  • Glue residue from relabelling

  • Bubbling of labels

  • Creased labels

  • Peeling labels

  • Misaligned coding

  • Smudged coding

    • Stop the line and place product on hold where the defect breaches the zero-defect standard.

    • Escalate grey area stoppages promptly to the QA Manager / Technical Manager with retained samples and photographic evidence, so that a commercial run / no-run decision can be made without avoidable downtime.

    • Record the decision taken, the volume affected, and the disposition of any held stock.

3. Documentation, Traceability & Data Integrity

• Verify that all in-process records are completed contemporaneously, legibly, and correctly.

• Complete QC verification records for every line, every shift.

• Maintain accurate traceability between checks, batches, and finished product.

• Retain defect samples and reference packs to support investigation and decision-making.

• Support QA with record retrieval during internal and external audits.

4. Non-Conformance, Investigation & Continuous Improvement

• Raise internal non-conformances for check failures, missed checks, and zero defect breaches.

• Support root cause analysis (e.g. 5 Whys, Fishbone) into repeat packaging, labelling, and coding defects.

• Support verification that corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) have been implemented and are effective.

• Trend check failures and defect types by line, shift, and product to identify emerging risks.

5. Factory Engagement & Quality Culture

• Maintain a strong, visible shop floor presence across all lines throughout the shift.

• Coach and influence production teams on check standards, GMP, and zero defect expectations.

• Act as the first point of contact on shift for online quality queries, escalating to QA / Technical as required.

• Promote a positive food safety and quality culture aligned with organisational values.

6. Health, Safety, ESG & General

• Work in accordance with site health & safety, food safety, environmental, and duty-of-care requirements.

• Follow PPE, hygiene, and safe working procedures at all times.

• Uphold ethical standards, integrity, and transparency in all quality and reporting activities.

• Complete ad hoc tasks aligned with business, customer, and site priorities.

• Any other responsibilities as may reasonably be expected from this role.

Key Performance Indicators

Check Verification

• 100% of line start-up checks verified before production starts.

• 100% of scheduled hourly checks verified across all lines, every shift.

• Zero missed or unverified checks carried over to the next shift.

Zero Defect Performance

• Zero packaging, labelling, or coding defects released to customers.

• All grey area stoppages escalated for commercial decision within defined timescales.

• Reduction in repeat packaging, labelling, and coding defects by line.

Systems & Culture

• Accurate, audit-ready QC verification records maintained at all times.

• All check failures raised as non-conformances and closed within agreed timescales.

• Positive engagement with production teams to improve GMP and check discipline.

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-oriented.

Role Boundaries (Important)

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.

Working Pattern

• Factory floor-based, covering all production lines.

• One QC Technician per shift.

• Shift-based working aligned to production requirements.