QC Technician (Night shift)
| Posting date: | 27 November 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | £38,938 per annum |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 27 December 2025 |
| Location: | Poole |
| Company: | The Compleat Food Group |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 1470 |
Summary
Job Advert
Quality Control Technician – Night shift
Join Our Technical Team at The Compleat Food Group!
We’re excited to offer an excellent opportunity for two QC Technicians to join our dedicated night-shift team in Poole.
About The Compleat Food Group
At The Compleat Food Group, we’re proud to be a food business built on purpose and passion. Formed in 2021, we’re on a mission to
create Food to Feel Good - great quality, tasty and affordable food that people love to eat.
We’re home to some of the UK’s most exciting and loved food brands, including Wall’s Pastry, Pork Farms, Wrights, The Real
Yorkshire Pudding Co., unearthed, Vadasz, Squeaky Bean, Palace Culture, and Harvey & Brockless. Alongside our branded portfolio,
we’re a leading supplier of delicious own-label pastry, sweet bakery, party food, olives and antipasti, added-value egg products,
continental meats, dips and sauces and plant-based food to the UK’s major retailers, as well as across foodservice.
With over 6,000 talented colleagues across 17 sites, and an annual turnover of £1.3bn, we’re united by a shared ambition to shape
the future of food for the better.
We are backed by European private equity firm PAI Partners.
Working Hours: 3on & 3 off: 6pm – 6am (38.5 hours average a week)
Location: Poole
Salary: £38,938 per annum
Job Purpose:
The role is responsible for upholding food safety and quality standards in line with Group, customer, and BRC requirements.
Through a strong presence on the factory floor, you will carry out audits, process validations, verifications, sampling, raw
material inspections, and traceability checks. You will also review concessions, manage export documentation, and support
investigations into customer complaints, process deviations, and out-of-specifications.
By analysing data, collaborating across teams, and contributing to continuous improvement of food safety and quality systems, you
will help maintain a culture of audit readiness and operational excellence.
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
* Food Safety, Quality & GMP Compliance: Maintain a strong presence on the factory floor, actively engaging with Operations to
uphold food safety and quality standards. Provide coaching to operation at factory floor in aspects regarding food safety,
quality and GMP standards.
* Conduct audits: GMP audits, Internal audits, Hygiene audits and Fabrication Audits
* Drive continuous improvement initiatives.
* Concession Assessments: Review and document concession requests (e.g., RM, WIP life extensions, other exceptions) and
communicate outcomes effectively.
* Process Validation: Conduct and document process validation under the supervision of QM.
* Investigations & Root Cause Analysis: Lead investigations into customer complaints, metal rejections/finds, microbiological and
chemistry laboratory out of specifications, working closely with relevant departments. Identify and document non-conformances
and support root cause analysis.
* Conduct traceability verification as part of investigations or during external audits.
* Taste Panel Administration: Prepare taste panel samples, facilitate panel discussions, document findings, and liaise with
operations to ensure corrective actions are completed.
* Sample Collection & Testing: Collect samples for laboratory testing as requested (e.g. finish and WIP products, swabs, water
samples etc.), and log samples for lab testing.
* Vegan Cleaning Verification: Perform verification checks to ensure compliance with vegan cleaning standards.
* Calibration & Compliance Checks: Conduct scheduled calibration checks (e.g., scales, temperature probes) and verify
metal-detectable items (plasters, pens, etc.) before issuing them to production.
* Documentation & Filing: Organize and maintain factory paperwork and rack tags appropriately.
* Traceability & Mass Balance: Execute traceability exercises and mass balance assessments as required.
* Packaging & Artwork Approval: Conduct packaging and artwork checks against approved standards and versions.
* Packaging changeovers: Complete and oversee the process of packaging changeover against approved procedure and Notice of
Activity
* Brexit Documentation: Prepare necessary paperwork for product exports.
* Label Quality Control: Perform quality control checks on labels to ensure accuracy and compliance.
* Raw materials inspections (cover/out-of-hour deliveries): Perform quality checks for the incoming raw materials and packaging
against approved quality standards when there is no Goods-In QCT cover (e.g. short of staff or out-of-hour deliveries).
* Data Analysis & Reporting: Provide trend analysis for quality, microbiological, and environmental data, completing customer and
group reports.
* Support training initiatives for new starters and ongoing team development.
* Maintain accurate and timely data entry to support quality reporting and analysis.
* Cross-Department Collaboration: Foster strong working relationships across departments to support teamwork and align with
technical and company objectives.
* Audit Support: Assist with third-party audits conducted on-site.
* Quality Manager Support: Act as a deputy for the Quality Manager in their absence.
* Additional Responsibilities: Undertake any other tasks delegated by the line manager or senior leadership related to food
safety, quality, site/group/customer standards, and legal compliance.
This role demands a proactive approach to maintaining high food safety and quality standards, ensuring compliance, and driving
continuous improvement within the factory environment.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
Experience
* Minimum 3 years of experience in a quality assurance role (in Technical or Production Departments) in a food or beverage
manufacturing environment.
* Working knowledge of HACCP and food safety practices.
* Strong IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Key Skills
* Positive “can do” attitude
* Be able to engage with site colleagues at the factory floor in an assertive and respectful manner, achieving the objective
through persuasion
* Problem solving
* Ability to consistently meet deadlines
* Good analytical skills
* Good time management
* Proficient in the use of MS Office tools
* Clear written and verbal communication with a flexible approach
* Good administrative skills
* Ability to identify and act on opportunities for improvements
* A proactive and detail-oriented approach to quality assurance.
* To act with integrity
Why Join Us?
At The Compleat Food Group, we believe our people are the heart of our success. That’s why we offer a wide range of benefits
designed to support your lifestyle, wellbeing and career growth:
Financial & Lifestyle Benefits:
* Salary Sacrifice Schemes - including Electric Vehicles, Home & Tech, Cycle to Work, and SMART Pension
* Option to purchase extra annual leave
* Holiday Discounts via our online retail platform
* Access to enhanced retail discounts online and in-store
* Free product handouts across our sites, so you can sample and enjoy our delicious products first hand
* EV charging points - available at selected sites
Health & Wellbeing:
* 24/7 access to Grocery Aid for free financial, emotional, and practical support
* Physical Wellbeing Hub - free on-demand exercise classes, gym discounts
* Free diet & nutrition advice with access to thousands of healthy recipes
* Online wellbeing support - from mindfulness to lifestyle resources
* Financial wellbeing tools - including mortgage calculators, budgeting tools, and financial aid
Career Growth & Development:
* Access to a personalised online learning platform (LMS)
* Formal and informal training opportunities tailored to your role
* Performance Development Plans and regular Career Conversations
* Company Mentoring Scheme to add depth and really support your career journey
* Recognition through Club Compleat rewards
Community & Culture:
* 2 paid volunteering days per year to give back to causes that matter to you
* Charity initiatives and fundraising events
* Team socials to connect and celebrate together
* Employee networks & support groups - including Women @ Compleat
* New baby gift for new parents
The Compleat Food Group fosters an inclusive, respectful culture where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. We welcome
diverse talent, knowing it drives exceptional results and a better workplace.
We are committed to Fairness, Equity, Inclusivity, and Respect, we ensure all colleagues can thrive by bringing their whole selves
to work. As an equal opportunity’s employer, we provide all the support you need to succeed.
Contact us with any questions about Diversity & Inclusion or accessibility during the application process.
Recruitment Agencies:
We have a small, active and trusted Preferred Supplier List to assist us if required. We do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or
unsolicited candidate introductions. We only accept CV submissions for roles released to you directly by our Talent Acquisition
team.
If you would be interested in working with us please send a message to recruitment@compleatfood.com
[recruitment@compleatfood.com] and should we have any roles we need additional support with we will reach out to you.
Quality Control Technician – Night shift
Join Our Technical Team at The Compleat Food Group!
We’re excited to offer an excellent opportunity for two QC Technicians to join our dedicated night-shift team in Poole.
About The Compleat Food Group
At The Compleat Food Group, we’re proud to be a food business built on purpose and passion. Formed in 2021, we’re on a mission to
create Food to Feel Good - great quality, tasty and affordable food that people love to eat.
We’re home to some of the UK’s most exciting and loved food brands, including Wall’s Pastry, Pork Farms, Wrights, The Real
Yorkshire Pudding Co., unearthed, Vadasz, Squeaky Bean, Palace Culture, and Harvey & Brockless. Alongside our branded portfolio,
we’re a leading supplier of delicious own-label pastry, sweet bakery, party food, olives and antipasti, added-value egg products,
continental meats, dips and sauces and plant-based food to the UK’s major retailers, as well as across foodservice.
With over 6,000 talented colleagues across 17 sites, and an annual turnover of £1.3bn, we’re united by a shared ambition to shape
the future of food for the better.
We are backed by European private equity firm PAI Partners.
Working Hours: 3on & 3 off: 6pm – 6am (38.5 hours average a week)
Location: Poole
Salary: £38,938 per annum
Job Purpose:
The role is responsible for upholding food safety and quality standards in line with Group, customer, and BRC requirements.
Through a strong presence on the factory floor, you will carry out audits, process validations, verifications, sampling, raw
material inspections, and traceability checks. You will also review concessions, manage export documentation, and support
investigations into customer complaints, process deviations, and out-of-specifications.
By analysing data, collaborating across teams, and contributing to continuous improvement of food safety and quality systems, you
will help maintain a culture of audit readiness and operational excellence.
Key Duties & Responsibilities:
* Food Safety, Quality & GMP Compliance: Maintain a strong presence on the factory floor, actively engaging with Operations to
uphold food safety and quality standards. Provide coaching to operation at factory floor in aspects regarding food safety,
quality and GMP standards.
* Conduct audits: GMP audits, Internal audits, Hygiene audits and Fabrication Audits
* Drive continuous improvement initiatives.
* Concession Assessments: Review and document concession requests (e.g., RM, WIP life extensions, other exceptions) and
communicate outcomes effectively.
* Process Validation: Conduct and document process validation under the supervision of QM.
* Investigations & Root Cause Analysis: Lead investigations into customer complaints, metal rejections/finds, microbiological and
chemistry laboratory out of specifications, working closely with relevant departments. Identify and document non-conformances
and support root cause analysis.
* Conduct traceability verification as part of investigations or during external audits.
* Taste Panel Administration: Prepare taste panel samples, facilitate panel discussions, document findings, and liaise with
operations to ensure corrective actions are completed.
* Sample Collection & Testing: Collect samples for laboratory testing as requested (e.g. finish and WIP products, swabs, water
samples etc.), and log samples for lab testing.
* Vegan Cleaning Verification: Perform verification checks to ensure compliance with vegan cleaning standards.
* Calibration & Compliance Checks: Conduct scheduled calibration checks (e.g., scales, temperature probes) and verify
metal-detectable items (plasters, pens, etc.) before issuing them to production.
* Documentation & Filing: Organize and maintain factory paperwork and rack tags appropriately.
* Traceability & Mass Balance: Execute traceability exercises and mass balance assessments as required.
* Packaging & Artwork Approval: Conduct packaging and artwork checks against approved standards and versions.
* Packaging changeovers: Complete and oversee the process of packaging changeover against approved procedure and Notice of
Activity
* Brexit Documentation: Prepare necessary paperwork for product exports.
* Label Quality Control: Perform quality control checks on labels to ensure accuracy and compliance.
* Raw materials inspections (cover/out-of-hour deliveries): Perform quality checks for the incoming raw materials and packaging
against approved quality standards when there is no Goods-In QCT cover (e.g. short of staff or out-of-hour deliveries).
* Data Analysis & Reporting: Provide trend analysis for quality, microbiological, and environmental data, completing customer and
group reports.
* Support training initiatives for new starters and ongoing team development.
* Maintain accurate and timely data entry to support quality reporting and analysis.
* Cross-Department Collaboration: Foster strong working relationships across departments to support teamwork and align with
technical and company objectives.
* Audit Support: Assist with third-party audits conducted on-site.
* Quality Manager Support: Act as a deputy for the Quality Manager in their absence.
* Additional Responsibilities: Undertake any other tasks delegated by the line manager or senior leadership related to food
safety, quality, site/group/customer standards, and legal compliance.
This role demands a proactive approach to maintaining high food safety and quality standards, ensuring compliance, and driving
continuous improvement within the factory environment.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
Experience
* Minimum 3 years of experience in a quality assurance role (in Technical or Production Departments) in a food or beverage
manufacturing environment.
* Working knowledge of HACCP and food safety practices.
* Strong IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Key Skills
* Positive “can do” attitude
* Be able to engage with site colleagues at the factory floor in an assertive and respectful manner, achieving the objective
through persuasion
* Problem solving
* Ability to consistently meet deadlines
* Good analytical skills
* Good time management
* Proficient in the use of MS Office tools
* Clear written and verbal communication with a flexible approach
* Good administrative skills
* Ability to identify and act on opportunities for improvements
* A proactive and detail-oriented approach to quality assurance.
* To act with integrity
Why Join Us?
At The Compleat Food Group, we believe our people are the heart of our success. That’s why we offer a wide range of benefits
designed to support your lifestyle, wellbeing and career growth:
Financial & Lifestyle Benefits:
* Salary Sacrifice Schemes - including Electric Vehicles, Home & Tech, Cycle to Work, and SMART Pension
* Option to purchase extra annual leave
* Holiday Discounts via our online retail platform
* Access to enhanced retail discounts online and in-store
* Free product handouts across our sites, so you can sample and enjoy our delicious products first hand
* EV charging points - available at selected sites
Health & Wellbeing:
* 24/7 access to Grocery Aid for free financial, emotional, and practical support
* Physical Wellbeing Hub - free on-demand exercise classes, gym discounts
* Free diet & nutrition advice with access to thousands of healthy recipes
* Online wellbeing support - from mindfulness to lifestyle resources
* Financial wellbeing tools - including mortgage calculators, budgeting tools, and financial aid
Career Growth & Development:
* Access to a personalised online learning platform (LMS)
* Formal and informal training opportunities tailored to your role
* Performance Development Plans and regular Career Conversations
* Company Mentoring Scheme to add depth and really support your career journey
* Recognition through Club Compleat rewards
Community & Culture:
* 2 paid volunteering days per year to give back to causes that matter to you
* Charity initiatives and fundraising events
* Team socials to connect and celebrate together
* Employee networks & support groups - including Women @ Compleat
* New baby gift for new parents
The Compleat Food Group fosters an inclusive, respectful culture where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. We welcome
diverse talent, knowing it drives exceptional results and a better workplace.
We are committed to Fairness, Equity, Inclusivity, and Respect, we ensure all colleagues can thrive by bringing their whole selves
to work. As an equal opportunity’s employer, we provide all the support you need to succeed.
Contact us with any questions about Diversity & Inclusion or accessibility during the application process.
Recruitment Agencies:
We have a small, active and trusted Preferred Supplier List to assist us if required. We do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or
unsolicited candidate introductions. We only accept CV submissions for roles released to you directly by our Talent Acquisition
team.
If you would be interested in working with us please send a message to recruitment@compleatfood.com
[recruitment@compleatfood.com] and should we have any roles we need additional support with we will reach out to you.