Quality Assistant

Position Overview:An exciting opportunity has arisen for a proactive and detail-oriented Quality Assistant to join a well-established and fast-growing cosmetics manufacturer based in Knowsley, on our Afternoon Shift. Reporting directly to the Head of Technical, this role will play a vital part in maintaining and improving Quality Assurance and Quality Control processes across the site. The successful candidate will oversee key QA & QC activities including non-conformance management, internal audit support, assist with quality inspections, and complaint handling, while ensuring compliance with relevant quality standards (GMP/ ISO 9001, and others that may be applicable in the future). Key Responsibilities:1. Quality Assurance oversight:Assist in the implementation and maintenance of the Quality Management System (QMS).Support and monitor day-to-day QA activities to ensure all manufactured products meet internal and external quality standards.Review batch production records, raw material documentation, and packaging records for completeness and accuracy.Coordinate and support the regular internal audits across manufacturing and support functions to assess compliance and drive continuous improvement.Help manage non-conformance reports (NCRs) and deviations, ensuring timely investigation, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective/preventive actions for resolution.Oversee the management and organisation of the quarantine area to ensure proper control of non-conforming materials.Maintain controlled documents (SOPs, specifications, test methods, and change controls).Maintain an organised system for retain samples, including regular rotation, review, and disposal in line with company policy.Manage the oil storing and decanting area, ensuring safe handling, accurate labelling, and traceability in line with quality and safety standards.Perform and oversee Goods-In checks for raw materials and packaging components to verify conformance with specifications and quality requirements.2. Quality Control oversight:Collect and prepare samples of raw materials and finished goods for laboratory analysis.Conduct basic physical and organoleptic tests (e.g., appearance, colour, odour analysis) on samplesRecord and interpret test data accurately, maintaining laboratory logs and test records.Monitor in-process checks during production to ensure compliance with specifications.Assist in equipment calibration and verification as per schedule, where required.Ensure proper labelling, handling, and storage of test samples and retain samples.Support environmental monitoring and hygiene inspections in production areas, including daily temperature/humidity checks.3. Continuous ImprovementIdentify opportunities to improve QA processes and systems, supporting the wider Technical and Compliance functions in implementing enhancements.Maintain accurate, audit-ready documentation aligned with internal policies and external standards.4. Team Relationships:Collaborate with Production, Warehouse, H&S and Technical teams to foster a quality-focused culture and promote cross-functional alignment.Qualifications and Experience:1–3 years of experience in QA/QC within cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, FMCG or personal care manufacturing (preferred).Strong understanding of quality systems, non-conformance management, and internal auditing processes.Excellent attention to detail and strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).Capable communicator with a collaborative approach and the confidence to engage across departments.Familiarity with laboratory testing instruments and GLP/GMPKnowledge ISO 9001, ISO 22716, and GMP standards is highly desirable.Must be fluent in spoken and written English Key Competencies:Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.Strong communication and reporting ability.Commitment to quality and continuous improvement.Ability to multitask and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.This is shift work, with shift pattern: 14:00-22:00* Must be able to work in the UK without need for sponsorship. *