Quality Control and Assurance Specialist

About the role

High Ground is looking for an Industrial Engineer to build and own the quality systems in its central kitchen, with a primary focus on Four Winters. This is a hands-on role covering how products are made, checked, stored, labelled, packed and dispatched, working closely with production, R&D and operations so that every product leaves the kitchen meeting the same approved standard.

Key responsibilities

• Standardise products and processes by documenting approved specifications, production methods, batch sizes, yields and acceptance criteria with R&D and production.
• Build the quality system: create SOPs, inspection checklists, batch records and quality checkpoints from ingredient receiving through dispatch.
• Check product consistency against approved references for taste, texture, appearance, portion weight and other requirements.
• Control storage and labelling: conditions, stock rotation, shelf life, batch identification, date labels, allergen information and traceability.
• Verify hygiene and handling, including cleaning practices, equipment condition and measuring-device accuracy.
• Control product release with clear pass, hold and reject procedures.
• Define packaging and transport checks and verify product condition on arrival at branches.
• Track production losses, spoilage and rejected batches, identify causes and implement improvements.
• Investigate production deviations and branch feedback, assign corrective actions and verify they hold.
• Train the central kitchen team, monitor daily compliance and report on quality performance, waste and outstanding actions.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering.
• Ability to build clear SOPs, analyse process data and investigate root causes.
• Strong attention to detail, confident follow-through and a hands-on approach on the production floor.
• Nice to have: practical quality control or assurance experience in food manufacturing or central kitchens, HACCP knowledge, experience with dairy, ice cream, desserts or chilled/frozen products, HACCP or food safety certification, and Lean or continuous improvement experience.