Total 2 Quality Assurance / Control job vacancies in Worcester, Worcestershire, WR1 1DB

Daily supervise routine and specialised diagnostic investigations on potentially infectious patient and environmental samples using manual and automated techniques. Frequently handles potentially highly infectious and known highly infectious material in order to perform subjective interpretation of diagnostic investigations and be responsible for the validity of results. Daily supervises and co-ordinates the day-to-day operations of a section or sections of the laboratory, solving complex analytical problems to ensure a high standard of work that is completed in a safe and timely manner. Knows how to proceed in the event of a technical / analytical non-conformance and when to inform the Laboratory Manager Completes non-conformance record forms and submits to the Senior BMS/Quality Lead and / or Laboratory Manager. Daily record and report results, in electronic form and / or verbally, to persons authorized to receive them. Informs Medical staff of significant / urgent results. Daily perform technical validation of electronic reports using DSE prior to release to Medical Microbiologists Frequently perform tasks that include accuracy, precision and the use and maintenance of specialist equipment. Maintain equipment logs, for the General Bacteriology Section, including maintenance and repair. Participate in the maintenance and revision of Equipment Standard Operating Procedures. Frequently offer specialist technical advice to Medical staff, patients and other service users on validity of results including reference ranges, appropriate specimens / sampling and turnaround times. To participate in induction, training and supervision of AP, MLA, Trainee BMS, Band 5 BMS, Band 6 BMS and other staff and visitors in all relevant aspects of laboratory work including Health & Safety as directed by the Laboratory Manager. To develop and maintain the Departmental Competency Assessment schemes for Trainee BMS, Band 5 BMS, Band 6 & 7 BMS, AP, MLA staff in collaboration with the Laboratory Manager. To participate in own competency assessment scheme. Participate in personally and perform Trust Personal Development Review (PDR) for AP, MLA, Trainee BMS, Band 5 BMS and Band 6 BMS staff and inform the Chief BMS of any training and development needs. Monitor stocks of kits, reagents and consumables and report supply deficiencies to the appropriate AP and / or Senior BMS. To be responsible for the maintenance of the Quality Management System including, internal and external quality control and assurance in accordance with UKAS, HPC, and other Accreditation bodies. To be a nominated Microbiology Audit Officer and conduct audit of vertical, horizontal and examination audits in accordance with the Laboratory Audit Programme. To co-operate with the Laboratory Manager in the evaluation and implementation of new equipment and Standard Operating Procedures as required. Develop, maintain, and review Standard Operating Procedures in collaboration with the Head BMS. To participate in Clinical Trials / Research and Development as directed by a Consultant Microbiologist. Present scientific, technical data and audit data at staff meetings using appropriate communication tools. To assist in the recruitment, selection and induction of staff within line management responsibility. Knows how to respond to a major incident in accordance with Trust Policy. ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES Co-Deputy Laboratory Manager To deputise for Laboratory Manager in their absence including authorising staff leave and deputising for Laboratory Managers budgetary requirement in their absence. To be involved in the procurement process To take a lead in the recruitment processes. In collaboration with the manager to develop strategical advancements of the department. To co-ordinate the management of sickness and be involved in HR procedures. To have responsibility for limited finance and be involved in contract negotiations and tenders. contract award, and waiver submissions. Quality Manager Responsible for the system of document control. This includes maintaining an electronic database of the master list of all laboratory policies and procedures, issuing controlled documents, and ensuring that documents are reviewed on the set review date. Co-ordinate and ensures the Microbiology Audit Programme is adhered to. Is a nominated Microbiology Audit Officer and conducts vertical, horizontal and observational audits Supervise the programme of Internal Quality Assessment (IQA). Regularly monitors and signs off non-conformance reports including IQA & External Quality Assessment (EQA) and ensures that appropriate corrective and/or preventative action has been implemented. Monitor the requirements of the Departments users and ensure that they are reflected within defined quality performance measures. In collaboration with the Head BMS follows up external and other inspections and ensures and verifies that completion of any corrective actions has been undertaken. Responsibility for the education and training of all staff in quality principles and practice. Prepare reports for the Quality Management Review to include: a. Internal audit of the quality management system. b. Internal audit of the examination process. c. Performance in EQA schemes d. Performance in IQA schemes. e. Assessment of user satisfaction surveys and complaints. f. Assessments by outside bodies e.g. Care Quality Commission. g. Non-conformances and the status of corrective and preventative actions. Support the Head of Department and Head BMS in the investigation of complaints, and incidents. Provide support to senior laboratory staff on quality management matters. Attend senior staff meetings and also report on quality matters. Convene and Chair the Microbiology Countywide Quality And Accreditation Group. In collaboration with the Consultant Head of Department and Head BMS be responsible for the development, maintenance and revision of laboratory procedures to ensure a high standard of work, observing confidentially, safety and data protection in accordance with CPA standards, including maintenance of staff records of training on SOPs. Assist the Head BMS in the production of the annual Departmental Training Plan. Co-ordinate the production of training and guidance notes that support Standard Operating Procedures and the completion of the IBMS Certificate of Competence Portfolio. Technical Service In collaboration with the Training Officer, develops, maintains and organises the IQA programme for the General Bacteriology & Virology departments including: Preparing spot tests Capturing data, collating and analysing results Recording and investigating non-conformances including root cause analysis Identifying training needs and liaising with the Training Officer Monitoring and recording performance and trend analyses Preparing monthly reports and communicating results at staff meetings. Displays results. This job description will be subject to annual review and may be amended as necessary following consultation with the post holder.

An excellent opportunity for an experienced Quality Assurance Technician to join a well-established company

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: Starting from £26,000 Per Annum, Depending on Experience
Location: Worcester WR5

About The Company:

A family business based on the outskirts of Worcester creating innovative flavours of award-winning cheeses, with a growing reputation around the world.
An exciting and rewarding role has arisen within the company. They are seeking an experienced Quality Assurance Technician to join their team! You will be responsible for monitoring and implement the company’s quality assurance procedures, undertaking scheduled checks and inspections to maintain our BRCGS accreditation.
The successful candidate will need to be detail oriented, have a high attention to detail and reliable. You will also need to be flexible within your role, organised, enjoy working as part of a team and independently. They currently run a single weekday shift.

Role Duties (but are not limited to):

• Good understanding and knowledge of BRCGS standards
• To oversee /liaise with external auditors, enforcement and regulatory authorities, customers, third party contractors and suppliers as necessary
• Developing and maintaining the quality management system and procedures and to ensure that all checks and inspections are completed to schedule. Liaising and co-operating with management and colleagues in the implementation and compliance of food quality, safety and legality procedures in line with BRCGS requirements
• Ensuring the maintenance of testing equipment and facilities and maintenance of calibration schedule
• Monitoring and ensuring compliance with the HACCP plan, detailed in the Quality Manual.
• Ensuring that site hygiene practices and procedures are maintained as per the Quality Manual and procedures
• To undertake weekly sampling against defined schedules for environmental swab programme and product testing
• Raising and documenting non-conformances as they arise at any stage of the process and to take appropriate corrective action as necessary, consulting with Management
• To investigate customer complaints and quality failures, collating data and compiling reports as necessary
• To take a proactive approach towards product and process quality and to work towards improving standards throughout
• To organise and present training sessions as required, and identifying training needs as appropriate.
• To maintain up to-date information records on horizon scanning risks and threats associated with the business and products, to communicate where relevant to Senior Management when a potential risk to the business is identified
• To maintain supplier approval records and oversee new supplier approvals
• To drive the company culture strategy and encourage participation in the company culture activities

Other Responsibilities:

• Attend internal meetings, briefings or company updates/presentations as required
• Any other task/project as required, commensurate with role and experience, or as requested by Senior Management
• Identify and understand the management of allergens within the process

Candidate Requirements:

• Be able to follow written and spoken instructions i.e. recipes, cleaning instructions, procedures and production schedules
• Have a good understanding of health and safety requirements
• Have good concentration and observation skills
• Maintaining a strict level of personal and workplace hygiene
• Be able to pay attention to detail even when tasks are repetitive
• Be able to act quickly when a problem arises. Be aware and understand the need to report any evidence of unsafe or out-of-specification product or raw materials to designated manager to enable the resolution of issues requiring immediate action
• Have numeracy and literacy skills
• Be able to work both independently and as part of a team, liaising and communicating as appropriate.
• Ability to show initiative, take on additional responsibility and complete tasks set through to the end.
• Calm and good humoured
• Ability to work well under pressure
Qualification & Experience:

• Have experience within a Technical or Quality food environment
• Good communication skills both internal and external
• Fluent in spoken, written and understanding of the English language
• Good numeracy and literacy skills

If you feel that you have the relative skills/attributes to fulfil this role then please apply now for immediate consideration.


The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate based on race, religion, sexual orientation, age or disability. The employer welcomes applications from all candidates who match their requirements and their decision for employment will be based purely on your skills/qualifications.