Quality Assurance Assistant

dnata catering UK is one of the leading providers of inflight services to the world’s airline customers. We offer a comprehensive range of Inflight Catering, Onboard Retail and Logistics services across all the UK’s major and regional airports. Our continual pursuit of innovation and excellence has secured the business of more than 80 of the industry’s biggest operators.

As the Quality Assurance Assistant, you will be responsible for safety and quality of products manufactured on site to agreed quality specifications and standards and delivery of agreed departmental agreement with the airlines. In this role, you will participate in customer audits and be responsible for implementation of processes that drive improvement and compliance to the Quality and Traceability standards.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct Product Tests and Assessment on food products received either from external suppliers or our internal Hot & Cold Kitchen.
• Monthly menu changes readiness including specifications readiness along with support on the shop floor ensuring smooth start-up.
• Weight checking of products against airline specifications.
• Responsible for internal auditing of food product safety and quality matters.
• Weight checking of meals prepared by the general assistants to ensure compliance with the customer expectations including feedback given to the departments.
• Support with customer audits including meal tasting and evaluation.
• Maintain food safety documentation records.
• Perform Root Cause Analysis and Root Cause Corrective Action activities when relevant.
• Overseeing the unit perform activities to ensure that all reports are updated in a timely manner and do not go overdue.
• Working closely with the production team on rotation of products, including FIFO
• Ensure HACCP concept and Good Hygiene Practices are met at all levels.
• Liaising with the compliance department on any issues
• Oversee and plan cleaning processes as needed.

The above list is not exhaustive, due to business needs you may be required to carry out additional duties. To ensure maximum efficiencies within the operation, flexibility is essential. You will be required to assist in other areas which could include other departments within the business.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required

Essential:

• Previous experience of Quality Assurance preferably in food environment (Minimum of 1 to 3 years)
• Allergen awareness / practical management of allergens
• Knowledge and understanding of food safety legislation
• Excellent communication skills; ability to liaise with varying stakeholders at all levels, both internal and external
• Microbiological awareness – understanding of basic of food safety

Desirable:

• Previous experience within Flight Catering
• Knowledge of HACCP, Food Legislation, Food Hygiene
• Working knowledge of Excel, Word, PowerPoint
• Excellent organisational skills with a strong attention to detail
• Must always demonstrate integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism.
• Ability to work efficiently using own initiative to resolve issues.
• Ability to build relations and manage diverse teams.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills in English; able to communicate at all levels.
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight timescales, prioritising as appropriate.
• Proactive and positive/flexible attitude
• Intermediate certificate in applied HACCP principles

Hours of Work

• 40 hours per week with variable shifts
• Shifts: Morning, Middle, Late

The benefits we offer:

• An opportunity to be part of a global family.
• Free breakfast, lunch and dinner on site
• Free tea and coffee whilst on shift
• £60 towards both, dental and optical cover through our Simply health Cash Plan and many more
• £150 if you Refer a Friend
• Discounted gym membership at over 2000 gyms nationwide
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Opportunity to enhance your learning through our inhouse apprenticeship programme
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which offers counselling
• Equivalent to 28 days holiday (including bank holidays).