Quality Control Inspector Jobs in Bristol BS8 | Immediate Start & Flexible Shifts
Catering Jobs is urgently seeking a meticulous and experienced Quality Control Inspector for a leading production facility in Bristol BS8. This is an immediate temporary-to-permanent opportunity offering competitive pay, ongoing work, and a chance to join a dynamic team ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety.
Job Description: Quality Control Inspector
Our client, a respected food production and catering supplier based in the heart of Bristol BS8, is looking to strengthen their quality assurance team. This role is critical for maintaining their reputation for excellence and ensuring every product leaving the facility meets stringent safety and quality benchmarks.
As a specialist recruitment agency, Catering Jobs connects dedicated professionals like you with employers who value skill and diligence. This position is perfect for someone with a keen eye for detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving within a fast-paced hospitality and production environment.
Key Responsibilities & Duties
- Conduct thorough inspections of incoming raw materials, in-process goods, and finished products against specified quality standards and technical data sheets.
- Perform routine checks on production lines for hygiene, temperature control, weight, packaging integrity, and labelling accuracy, documenting all findings meticulously.
- Utilise various measurement tools and testing equipment (e.g., pH meters, thermometers, visual inspection tools) to validate product conformity.
- Identify, quarantine, and report any non-conforming products or materials, initiating corrective action requests (CARs) and supporting root cause analysis.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date quality control records, logs, and reports in compliance with company and industry standards (e.g., BRC, SALSA).
- Work collaboratively with production supervisors, chef teams, and warehouse assistants to communicate quality issues and implement immediate solutions.
- Support internal and external audit preparations, ensuring all quality documentation is audit-ready at all times.
- Monitor and enforce Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and health & safety protocols within the inspection areas.
Essential Skills & Requirements
- Proven experience in a Quality Control, Quality Assurance, or Technical Inspector role within food production, catering, or a related FMCG environment.
- A solid understanding of HACCP principles, food safety standards, and basic laboratory testing procedures.
- Meticulous attention to detail and a methodical, process-driven approach to work.
- Strong numerical and literacy skills for accurate record-keeping and report writing.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as part of a team.
- Excellent communication skills to liaise effectively with staff at all levels.
- Flexibility to adapt to shift patterns, including early starts, as required by production schedules.
- A proactive attitude towards continuous improvement and maintaining high standards.
The Importance of Quality in Production
Understanding the critical role of quality assurance can transform operations. Watch this insightful video on how meticulous processes protect brands and ensure customer safety.
Salary, Benefits & Perks
We believe in fair compensation for skilled work. The package for this Quality Control Inspector role is designed to attract and retain the best talent in Bristol.
- Competitive Hourly Rate: £14.50 - £17.50 per hour, paid weekly.
- Immediate Start: Quick registration and onboarding process.
- Temp-to-Perm Pathway: Clear route to a permanent position for high performers.
- Modern Facility: Work in a clean, well-organised, and safety-focused production site.
- Career Development: Opportunities for training and advancement within quality or production management.
- Supportive Agency: A dedicated Catering Jobs consultant for ongoing support.
How to Apply for This Role
The application process through Catering Jobs is straightforward and designed to get you into work quickly.
- Click 'Apply Now': Use the button on this page to submit a quick application and register your interest.
- Phone Screening: One of our friendly Bristol-based consultants will call you to discuss your experience and this Quality Control Inspector role in detail.
- Submit Your CV: We'll guide you on tailoring your CV to highlight relevant quality inspection experience.
- Client Interview: Successful candidates will be fast-tracked to an interview with the hiring manager at the Bristol BS8 facility.
- Start Work: Upon acceptance, we'll handle all paperwork and arrange your induction for an immediate start.
If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected].
Why Choose Catering Jobs?
As a leading jobs in Bristol specialist, we offer more than just a placement.
- Local Expertise: Deep knowledge of the Bristol BS8 job market and key employers.
- Speed & Efficiency: We specialise in urgent hires and immediate starts.
- Ongoing Support: Your personal consultant is just a call away for any queries.
- Wide Network: Access to unadvertised roles across catering, production, and warehouse jobs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
We are looking for candidates with proven experience in a quality-focused role within food production, catering, or a similar FMCG environment. Familiarity with HACCP, GMP, and basic testing procedures is essential. Specific training on the client's systems will be provided.
This particular role is full-time, following the production schedule which typically involves early morning starts (e.g., 6 am). However, we have a wide range of other temporary roles with more flexible or part-time hours. Please discuss your availability with our consultant.
Yes, the facility in Bristol BS8 has dedicated on-site parking for staff. This is a significant benefit in the Clifton/Hotwells area. For roles where parking is not provided, such as some city-centre Parking Attendant or delivery driver positions, we always clarify transport logistics upfront.
For urgent roles like this one, the process is extremely fast. If your experience is a strong match, we can arrange a phone interview within 24 hours and a client interview shortly after. For candidates with all documentation ready, a start within the same week is highly possible.
Secure Your Next Role Today
Don't let this opportunity for a stable, well-paid Quality Control Inspector role in Bristol BS8 pass you by. The position is interviewing now and will be filled quickly.
Apply Now for Immediate Consideration →If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected].
Get in Touch with Catering Jobs Bristol
Whether you're a job seeker looking for your next opportunity in quality control, production, or hospitality, or an employer needing reliable staff, our local team is here to help.
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A Day in the Life of a Quality Control Inspector at This Facility
To give you a clearer picture of what the role entails, here’s a breakdown of a typical shift for our Quality Control Inspectors in Bristol BS8. This structured approach ensures consistency and covers all critical control points.
Pre-Production Checks & Line Calibration
The shift begins with a handover from the night team and a review of any outstanding non-conformance reports. The inspector then performs pre-operational hygiene audits on all production lines, checking for cleanliness and ensuring no cross-contamination risks. Key equipment, such as metal detectors, checkweighers, and thermometers, is calibrated and verified for accuracy before production commences.

Core Production Monitoring & Sampling
As production hits its stride, the inspector conducts scheduled hourly checks. This involves taking product samples for visual inspection, weight verification, and temperature monitoring. They inspect packaging for seal integrity and correct labelling, including use-by dates and batch codes. Any deviation from the specification, even minor, is logged immediately in the digital quality management system, and the production supervisor is alerted to make real-time adjustments.
Lab Testing & Report Finalisation
Samples requiring further analysis, such as pH or moisture content, are taken to the on-site micro-lab. The inspector records all results, comparing them against the client’s technical specifications. This period is also used to compile the shift’s quality report, a crucial document that provides a snapshot of production integrity and is essential for audit trails and continuous improvement meetings.
Your Career Pathway: From Inspector to Quality Leader
This temp-to-perm role is not just a job; it’s a potential launchpad for a rewarding career in quality assurance and technical management within the thriving South West food and drink sector. Here’s how progression often unfolds for dedicated professionals at this client’s site:
Quality Control Inspector
(Months 1-6) Master core inspection duties, internal audits, and the QMS. Demonstrate reliability and acute attention to detail.
Senior QA Technician
(6-18 Months) Take on responsibility for training new inspectors, leading non-conformance investigations, and supplier quality checks.
Quality Supervisor / Manager
(18+ Months) Oversee the entire QA department, manage BRC/SALSA audits, develop quality policies, and report directly to site leadership.
The client actively supports this progression through sponsored training, such as Level 3 HACCP for Food Manufacturing and Internal Auditor courses. Success in this initial inspector role is the clearest way to be identified for these advancement opportunities.
The Bristol BS8 Food & Drink Production Hub: Your Work Environment
The BS8 postcode, encompassing Clifton and Hotwells, is not just a prestigious residential area but a growing hub for specialist food production and catering supply companies. This role places you at the heart of an industry known for innovation and high standards.
- Innovation Focus: Many local businesses supply high-end restaurants, boutique hotels, and premium retailers, demanding exceptional quality and bespoke product development.
- Regulatory Excellence: Facilities in this area are often benchmarked against the highest global standards (BRCGS AA grade, SALSA Premier), offering unparalleled experience for your CV.
- Network Building: Working here connects you with professionals across a concentrated sector, opening doors to future opportunities in technical, NPD, and compliance roles.
Insight: The skills you hone in this role—meticulous documentation, audit readiness, and a proactive quality culture—are directly transferable and highly sought after by pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and medical device manufacturers in the wider South West region, significantly broadening your long-term career horizons.
Toolkit Spotlight: Equipment You'll Use
In this role, you'll be trained to use industry-standard equipment to ensure scientific accuracy in your inspections.
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Digital Calibrated ScalesFor precise weight checks down to 0.1g.
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Penetration & Laser ThermometersCore and surface temperature verification.
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pH & Water Activity MetersCritical for product safety and shelf-life testing.
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X-ray & Metal Detection SystemsFinal line defence for foreign body detection.
Sarah J.
"I started through Catering Jobs on a temporary contract, feeling unsure about leaving my previous role. The training was thorough, and the team made me feel valued from day one. Within seven months, my consistency was noticed, and I was offered a permanent senior technician position. The structured career path they outlined was real—I'm now being supported through my internal auditor qualification."