Quality Control & Internal Audit Assistant

Role Overview

Wynnstay Group is looking for a proactive and detail-focused Quality Control and Internal Audit Assistant to support our Technical, Quality & Compliance team in maintaining the highest standards of feed safety, product quality and regulatory compliance across our manufacturing operations.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in quality control, auditing, laboratory work or a manufacturing environment who enjoys investigating problems, identifying improvements and ensuring processes are followed consistently and effectively.

Working closely with operational teams, you will support product sampling and testing, carry out internal audits, verify HACCP controls and help drive continual improvement across our feed mill operations. Your work will play a key role in ensuring our products meet customer expectations, industry standards and legislative requirements.

This is a varied and hands-on role combining laboratory-based activities, operational audits and quality assurance support. You'll work across multiple areas of the business, gathering evidence, investigating non-conformances, monitoring corrective actions and helping colleagues maintain robust quality and feed safety standards.

If you have a strong eye for detail, enjoy working with data and processes, and want to contribute to continuous improvement within a leading agricultural business, we'd love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

Collecting, preparing, testing and recording samples of raw materials, in-process products and finished feed in accordance with approved procedures. Reviewing test results against specifications and escalating any irregularities or potential quality concerns. Maintaining retained samples, laboratory records and testing equipment in line with company procedures. Supporting investigations into quality issues and contributing to process improvements where appropriate. Assisting with the delivery of the internal audit programme across feed mill processes, systems and procedures. Conducting audits against internal procedures, HACCP requirements, hygiene standards, UFAS requirements and feed safety controls. Gathering objective evidence and producing clear, factual audit reports within agreed timescales. Tracking audit actions and conducting follow-up reviews to verify completion and effectiveness. Escalating overdue, repeated or feed-safety-critical findings to the appropriate manager. Supporting the implementation and verification of HACCP-based feed safety systems. Reviewing monitoring records and control measures to ensure compliance and accuracy. Reporting any issues that could impact feed safety, quality, legality or traceability. Identifying, recording and investigating non-conformances using objective evidence. Supporting root cause investigations, containment activities and traceability checks where required. Assisting with the management and monitoring of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA). Following up outstanding actions and verifying that corrective measures have been effectively implemented. Supporting continual improvement initiatives using quality management and problem-solving techniques. Conducting hygiene and housekeeping audits across production, laboratory, storage and dispatch areas. Monitoring trends and reporting recurring issues or areas of concern. Maintaining accurate quality, audit and inspection records and ensuring documentation remains current and compliant. Building positive working relationships across the business whilst maintaining professional independence and objectivity. Demonstrating Wynnstay's values and adhering to all health, safety, quality, feed safety and environmental requirements.

What we're looking for:

Essential:

Experience within a quality control, laboratory, manufacturing, food, feed or other process-controlled environment. Understanding of quality assurance principles, documented procedures and technical record keeping. Experience identifying issues, raising concerns appropriately and supporting corrective actions. Strong attention to detail and the ability to work accurately with technical information and records. Good organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple activities and priorities. Competent use of Microsoft Office and electronic record-keeping systems. Strong communication skills with the confidence to engage with colleagues at all levels. A proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement. Willingness to work within an operational feed mill and laboratory environment.

Desirable

Internal auditing experience within a manufacturing, food or feed production environment. Knowledge of HACCP principles and feed safety management systems. Understanding of UFAS standards and feed industry compliance requirements. Experience conducting hygiene inspections or quality audits. Knowledge of CAPA processes, root cause analysis and continuous improvement techniques. Experience using electronic quality management, audit or CAPA systems.

Benefits

Competitive salary. Employee Assistance Programme with BUPA. Company profit related pay scheme. Life assurance of twice your salary following successful completion of probation. 25 days' annual leave plus UK bank holidays. Employee discount at Wynnstay Stores. Opportunity to join a supportive, values-led organisation with a turnover of £583 million and over 900 colleagues nationwide