The Role An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Quality Assistant to be based onsite at Clearly Drinks Ltd in Sunderland, on a permanent basis. This is a shift based position, reporting into the QSE Manager, and will involve working a rotating shift pattern to support manufacturing needs. The Quality Assistant will provide specialist quality and technical support, and direction, to all operational departments within the factory, ensuring that all quality standards, objectives, and procedures are complied with, maintained, and continuously improved. You will ideally have a background in FMCG and Manufacturing, preferably within a quality function. If you have Food and Beverages experience too that would be wonderful. If you believe you can thrive in this role and can play a real part in the growth of this company, click Apply Now. Key Responsibilities: The key responsibilities will include: To ensure that the output from Production meets all company and customer quality requirements and standards To provide support, guidance and training as required to operational teams (e.g., Sensory training, Basic Food Hygiene) To plan, prepare and conduct audits on the Quality Management and Food Safety (HACCP) systems ensuring that appropriate corrective actions are identified, implemented and re-audited Ensure that all equipment and services required for quality purposes are maintained, and calibrated To ensure routine microbiological analysis on plant, raw materials and finished products To maintain quality consumables on site within the agreed annual budget Support and co-ordinate trials, as required, of new products, materials, and processes To assist the drive for continuous improvement ensuring that quality and food safety standards are driven forward using the most cost-effective methods Represent the site as required on quality issues with customers, suppliers and statutory bodies as well as relevant site meetings Coach the shift production teams against the quality framework standards and be an ambassador for the quality department The Company Based in the North East, Clearly Drinks is a soft drinks manufacturer offering a range of our own brands alongside an industry leading contract bottling service. We draw crystal clear spring water directly on site which acts as a basis for fresh and fruity flavour combinations and carbonations. Originating in 1885, we have been bottling in the North East for over 130 years. Well known for many years as ‘Villa Drinks’ and a truly local North East business since its inception, Clearly Drinks has become one of the UK’s leading specialist bottlers with well-loved brands including Perfectly Clear, Northumbria Spring, Revolution Waves and Upstream. At the heart of everything is our spring water drawn directly from a natural spring that flows below ground at our site. The Benefits Life insurance Health cash plan (employer funded) Company events Company pension Employee discounts off Company product Employee referral scheme Sports and Social activities Employee of the month/year scheme Enhanced sick pay Enhanced family policy Employee Assistance Programme Cycle to work initiatives Long service awards Annual leave of 24 days plus your birthday off Plus the bank holidays Volunteering leave Access to a Learning Management System Compassionate bereavement policy Holiday purchase scheme The Person The key skills and qualities of a successful Quality Assistant are: Proven communication skills with ability to flex styles to differing individual needs Sound knowledge of food production process and legislation is essential Competent computer skills required, Excel an advantage Running and supplying reports to represent trending and analysis Proven experience in food safety management and auditing Well-developed interpersonal skills, specifically relationship building, facilitation, written / verbal communication is essential Strong leadership skills Experience of working with in an FMCG environment preferably within a Quality function Experience in developing, implementation and maintenance of food quality management and auditing. Willingness to live and breathe the company values The Skills/Experience Relevant Degree or equivalent, or 5 years relevant industry experience. HACCP intermediate level essential Intermediate Food Hygiene Lead Auditor trained If you are keen on joining this exciting company, then please click the apply now button. Our Key Values Works collaboratively with peers and extended teams, building common agendas, aligned objectives and delivery plans (Stronger Together) Delivers critical compassionate challenge sensitively but effectively to support drive for continuous improvement throughout the supply chain operations (Making it Happen) Ability to be resilient, unwavering and single minded in critical circumstances to protect the business in the provision of product integrity, employee safety and environmental protection (Be the best)