Job Description

Company
IPN is an innovative, well-established, and award-winning pet food manufacturer, employing over 850 people across our 4 UK manufacturing sites. Our family of brands include Harringtons, Wagg, Barking Heads & Meowing Heads, AATU, Blink, Butchers, Classic Cat and a selection of partner brands that trust us to produce food on their behalf. Our kitchens in Thirsk, Kinmel and Crick produce dry, wet, and baked foods which are enjoyed by dogs and cats all over the world.
Quality and Compliance Technologist
We are excited to be recruiting a Quality and Compliance Technologist to join our Technical team in Crick, Northamptonshire. This is a 12 months fixed term contract due to maternity leave, however, subject to the growth of the business it is likely to be other opportunities available following this term.
Role
The Quality and Compliance Technologist helps uphold IPN's standards for food safety, quality, authenticity, and legality across three key areas: compliance, specifications, and supplier approval. In this role, you'll support audits and site reviews, ensuring our facilities meet internal standards and regulations. You'll help manage product specifications and ensure all materials meet legal and customer requirements. You'll also assist with supplier approvals, working closely with suppliers to maintain quality and resolve any issues. This role is ideal for someone detail-focused, proactive, and passionate about driving high standards across the supply chain.
Responsibilities

• Carry out Food Safety and Quality audits for manufacturing sites and quality management systems to demonstrate food safety, authenticity, quality and legal requirements are being met. Assisting sites during audits with the presentation of documentation and site standards.
• Assist with the maintenance of company specifications, including customer online portals, raw materials, and in-house finished products.
• Evaluate and approve new suppliers based on their ability to meet the company's quality, safety, and sustainability standards. Conduct risk assessments of new and existing suppliers to identify potential issues that could affect product quality or safety. Ensure timely evaluation and approval, working with all parties to make sure we have a competitive advantage, and our customers (internal and external) are satisfied.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Level 3 Food Science or equivalent qualification
• In depth knowledge of HACCP, TACCP, and VACCP (Including level 3 HACCP training)
• Internal auditor training
• BRCGs certification and retail customer standards knowledge
• Understanding of supplier risk management, quality control processes, and food manufacturing operations
• Knowledge of web-based customer specification systems
• Knowledge of writing specifications in food manufacturing environments
• Knowledge of legal labelling and legislation and applications
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and industry standards for pet food safety and quality.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills to work effectively with suppliers and internal customers.

The Offer:

• Location: Crick, Northamptonshire
• Salary: Competitive
• 10% annual company bonus scheme
• Hours: 40 hours per week - Monday to Friday (hybrid working)
• Pension: Employee contributions 3% / Employer contribution 8%(salary sacrifice company pension scheme)
• Holidays: 25 days + Bank Holidays
• Medicash Plan
• Life Assurance
• Enhanced maternity/paternity/pawternity
• Other Benefits: Electric Charging, Free parking, tasty treats, bring your dog to work, discounted products & free hot drinks
• Choice of a series of non-contractual flexible benefits, including cycle to work, workplace nurseries and dental insurance. These are offered through salary sacrifice or pay deductions.

#INDHP

Skills Required