QA Assurance

Job Title:       Quality Assurance

 

Reports To:       Technical Manager

 

 

About The Original Baker

The Original Baker is a leading manufacturer of premium sweet and savoury baked products, skilfully crafted in a traditional and time-honoured way. With a national presence, The Original Baker has gained a sought-after reputation within the artisan food sector. From our modern, well-equipped factory in Malton, North Yorkshire, we produce a range of delicious and high-quality goods for consumers through retail and wholesale channels. Our team of over 100 dedicated employees is passionate about delivering exceptional service and maintaining the highest standards of quality.

 

About Olidor Group

The Original Baker is part of the Olidor Group which has ambitious plans for sustainable and profitable business growth. Olidor is an investment company controlled by Andrew Ashby and Sadita UK Limited. In addition to The Original Baker, Olidor also owns G Bruce and Co Limited, trading as Brusco Food Group, a leading supplier of the quality ingredients to food manufacturers and retailers; Karimix, which manufacturers award-winning chutneys, sauces, pastes and marinades; and Four Anjels, an artisan sweet bakery in Cheltenham. This is an exciting time to join our Group as we build on recent successes, continuing to grow existing businesses organically, whilst also acquiring new businesses with significant growth potential.

 

Our vision is to be an employer of choice for high calibre talent in the market. Our people are the most important component of our success and we invest to support their growth and provide opportunities for development within a growing group of companies. We offer the opportunity to challenge yourself and be part of shaping the future of a rapidly growing well invested business.

 

The Original Baker’s Mission

To deliver sustainable and profitable business growth of at least 300% over the next four years by establishing The Original Baker as a market leading branded manufacturer of sweet and savoury premium baked products.

 

Our Values

Curious – keeping open minds and a desire to be the best we can be.

Responsible – owning our actions and considering our impact.

Inclusive – working as one team with trust and support.

Brave – challenging the status quo and turning bold ideas into reality.

Role Summary

Quality Assurance play a key role in our Technical team, working collaboratively to monitor, inspect, and ensure that products meet the Company’s high standards for food safety, hygiene, and quality.

 

QAs are trained and required to work across all areas of Production remaining flexible to support the business and maintain compliance with legislation, customer requirements, and Company procedures.

 

QAs actively contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, reporting issues promptly, maintaining accurate records, and supporting colleagues to uphold the highest standards of quality and safety.

 

Success in this role is demonstrated by achieving key success measures and objectives whilst role modelling the Company’s values and behaviours.

 

Key Success Measures

1. TOB’s products consistently meets Company quality, hygiene, and food safety standards.
2. Compliance with food safety legislation, SALSA and BRCGS standards, and customer requirements is maintained across all operations.
3. TOB operates with no critical product safety issues and achieves strong internal and external audit outcomes.
4. Accurate and timely QA records, paperwork, and KPIs support traceability and regulatory compliance.
5. Quality, safety, and compliance issues are identified, reported, and resolved promptly.
6. A culture of continuous improvement is embedded, with collaboration across Production and Technical teams supporting reduced quality deviations.
7. Company values are consistently role modelled with high levels of integrity, trust and collaboration

 

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and improve product quality and safety through adherence to Company policies and procedures.
• Raw materials, in-process, and finished product quality monitoring is carried out and recorded in line with operational requirements.
• Perform daily quality control checks in production, including raw material inspections, prioritising quality activities to meet business needs.
• Complete product sampling and taste panels as required.
• Conduct hygiene inspections and complete accurate reports.
• Verify labels to ensure compliance
• Verify Critical Control Points.
• Monitor and verify production and testing equipment calibration to ensure compliance.
• Monitor supplier quality performance and ensure raw materials meet specifications.
• Review and maintain quality records, including traceability, production data, and provide regular feedback.
• Report non-conformances to the relevant stakeholders and support follow up with corrective and preventative actions.
• Support Technical Manager in responding to customer complaints, ensuring actions are implemented efficiently to prevent recurrence.
• Conduct internal audits as scheduled to ensure compliance.
• Support the implementation of any quality changes in line with industry updates.
• Support projects for new product introduction, material changes, and process consistency initiatives.
• Work with the Production team to improve performance and ensure quality standards are met.
• Support in training production staff in Company procedures and quality standards.
• Collaborate effectively across Production and Despatch teams to support quality and operational objectives.
• Complete other Quality tasks as required to meet business, customer, and supplier needs.
• Identify opportunities to improve product quality, efficiency, sustainability and process consistency.
• Share knowledge with colleagues, coaching, supporting and onboarding colleagues.
• Report any stock discrepancies, damages, equipment faults, or safety concerns to Management.
• Work effectively as part of a team, communicating clearly and respectfully with colleagues and supervisors.
• Accurately record working time via the clocking system, attending work at the agreed times and adhering to agreed break times.
• Act as a brand ambassador for TOB at all times.
• Work in line with our high Health and Safety standards including following procedures and wearing PPE in Production areas.
• Work in line with and promote our food safety and quality culture.
• Work in line with Company policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate Company values and behaviours.
• Any other duties as reasonably required to meet business needs.
• Ensure compliance with Company policies, procedures and all Government, regulatory processes and legal requirements.
• Undertake all appropriate training and skills development as necessary to be successful in your role, including keeping up to date with changing legislation, industry trends and market insights.
• As with everyone at The Original Baker, remain flexible about responsibilities and tasks as needed to ensure business continuity.

 

Jobholder’s Competencies, Skills & Experience

• Knowledge of food safety legislation.
• Unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of food safety, quality, and hygiene excellence.
• Knowledge of raw material, packaging, and finished product quality monitoring.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, reports, and KPIs.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across multiple departments.
• Ability to prioritise multiple workloads whilst working in a fast-paced environment.
• IT literacy, including Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• High standards of numeracy, literacy and attention to detail.
• Judgement about when to use initiative and when to escalate or consult.
• Expertise in food safety standards, regulations and best practice.
• Problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent verbal, written and listening skills, with the ability to negotiate and influence.
• Curious with a growth mindset and flexible approach.
• Able to manage multiple deadlines and remain calm and effective under pressure.
• Collaborative and inclusive approach to colleagues across the business.

• Growth mindset, with a continuous improvement approach.
• Open and honest with high standards of personal integrity.
• Driven to make a positive difference to sustainable profitable business growth.