Supplier Quality Assurance Specialist

Location: Kent

Salary: C. 35k DOE

Hybrid Split: 3 days office / 2 days remote

The Role

An established international ingredients and manufacturing solutions business is seeking a Supplier Quality Assurance Specialist to support its quality function within a fast-paced food and nutrition environment. Their Kent site plays a key role in quality compliance and supplier assurance activities.

Key Responsibilities

Review and approve raw material specifications to ensure compliance with food safety regulatory and product requirements.

Conduct supplier risk assessments performance reviews and monitoring activities.

Maintain and update the Approved Supplier List.

Support compliance with recognised food safety standards (e.g. BRCGS/GFSI frameworks).

Assist with internal and supplier audits including documentation review.

Ensure compliance with UK food legislation allergen controls labelling requirements and compositional standards.

Carry out HACCP-based raw material risk assessments covering microbiological allergen and chemical hazards.

Apply food defence and food fraud vulnerability assessment principles.

Manage testing data within LIMS and verify Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for traceability.

Support certification processes such as Kosher and Halal where required.

Investigate supplier non-conformances and lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventative actions (CAPA).

Assist with recall/withdrawal procedures and mock traceability exercises.

Support the Quality & Food Safety Management System (QFSMS) and maintain accurate documentation control.

Monitor quality KPIs and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

About You

12 years experience within a Quality role in the food industry (supplier quality experience desirable).

Strong understanding of food safety standards such as HACCP BRCGS ISO 22000 or similar.

Knowledge of UK food law allergen management and regulatory compliance.

Experience supporting certification schemes (e.g. Kosher Halal sustainability standards) is advantageous.

Familiarity with LIMS ERP or QMS systems.

Confident analysing data and reporting KPIs.

Supplier auditing experience desirable (Lead Auditor qualification beneficial).

Able to assess risk and implement effective corrective actions.

Whats Offered

Discretionary performance bonus

Training and development opportunities

BUPA after 6 months

Subsidised gym membership

Flexible pay access scheme