Job Description

At Lake, we're innovators - we bring thinkers together to make incredible things happen - delivering real value for suppliers and customers. In fact, it is at the heart of everything we do! We call it 'Ultimate Customer Value' and it's in our DNA.

Our transparent supplier and customer relationships mean unique and compelling sales propositions from concept to commercialisation. As a leading technical distributor of speciality chemicals and minerals, operating across five divisions, we distribute ingredients for pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, paints and coatings, corrosion protection, cosmetics and personal care, and other industrial market applications.

With decades of product and application expertise, combined with deep market trend analysis and regulatory knowledge, we help our suppliers and customers to succeed. What's more, through new product development, our customers benefit from significant commercial opportunities. And with agile manufacturing we provide a comprehensive end-to-end service of design and development, sourcing, conversion, warehousing, and distribution.

Not only this, but our specialist team and entrepreneurial culture means you'll always get innovative and commercially beneficial solutions that align with your goals.

Job Function:

Plan and implement internal and external Auditing function to ensure continual compliance and certification of the Business; plan and implement supplier and other supply chain third party evaluation to include travel in the UK and abroad; produce audit reports and lead non-conformance resolution plans.

Supports the Quality Control function to ensure the quality of products developed, manufactured, purchased and sold by the company.

Supports the QRESH Manager with auditing work processes, investigating root cause of process deviation and ensuring process compliance by implementing corrective actions and providing guidance and training.

Supports the QRESH Manager in providing punctual and thorough Regulatory advice to the Business.

Support the QRESH Manager for Regulatory, Health, Safety and Environmental compliance of the company.

Duties:

Plan and implement the audit programme conducted by external assessors (regulatory authorities, certification bodies, and customers) to ensure compliance and maintain certifications to ISO 9001, FSSC 22000, BRCGS, and Safety Standards. Proactively support initiatives to improve and expand the company's accreditation portfolio. Plan, schedule, and implement the internal audit programme. Plan and implement the supplier and third-party assessment programme, conducting assessments remotely or through site visits as required. Produce audit and assessment reports and issue recommendations for improvement. Support the Quality Control (QC) function in creating and executing QC protocols for in-process materials and the release of finished products, packaging, and labelling to specification. Provide QC support to Sales units to sustain and promote company growth. Assist with management of the complaints system, investigating root causes, liaising with internal and external stakeholders, and implementing corrective and preventive actions. Communicate investigation outcomes and support continuous improvement initiatives. Support the production and analysis of QC KPIs, including statistics, trend analysis, and internal compliance monitoring to enhance team productivity. Assist the QRESH Manager in ensuring compliance with Health, Safety, Environmental, and Regulatory standards.

Education and Knowledge

Educated to degree level or equivalent. Strong knowledge of quality systems. ISO trained auditor. GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and Food Safety trained. Understanding of the sensitivities within a commercial sales operation and the pivotal role of the QRESH function within the supply chain.

Skills and Abilities

Essential:

Hands-on experience participating in audits by external assessors (regulatory authorities, certification bodies, or customers). Strong planning and coordination skills. Experience in Quality Control within a manufacturing environment and familiarity with a wide range of testing techniques. Excellent computer literacy, including word processing, spreadsheets, and database applications. Strong numerical and analytical skills for data trend analysis and interpretation of variation patterns. Meticulous attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and efficiency. Ability to learn quickly, provide internal training, identify relevant external training, and communicate effectively in an operational environment. Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment, adapting to changing circumstances. Driven and self-motivated, with a proactive approach to engaging stakeholders and sustaining a strong company quality culture.

Work Pattern:

Monday to Friday

Business hours 9am - 5pm

Occasional flexible availability between the hours of 6am and 10pm

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to 45,000.00 per year

Ability to commute/relocate:

Worcestershire B98 9PA: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s):

Do you have food regulatory experience?
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (preferred)
Work Location: In person