Meet Frankie: A Career in Compliance and Assurance

Discover Frankie’s career journey into quality assurance, from studying Equine Science and working as a groom to progressing from Quality Technician to Quality Assurance Officer. Find out how the role helps ensure products are safe, high quality and compliant, the skills it requires and Frankie’s advice for getting started.

What does a normal day look like in your job?

I work as a Quality Assurance Officer, which means I make sure the products we produce are safe, high quality, and meet all legal and customer requirements.

My role sits between production, laboratory testing, and customers. Every day, I review product data, check results from laboratory testing, and ensure everything is compliant before it leaves site. I also approve production plans to ensure they align with our contamination control matrix, helping to minimise cross-contamination risks during manufacturing.

No two days are exactly the same, but a typical day includes:

• Reviewing batch records and Certificates of Analysis to confirm products meet specification

• Signing off production plans in line with the contamination matrix to ensure safe product sequencing

• Managing samples and laboratory testing, including microbiological checks

• Investigating any quality issues and supporting problem-solving.

• Working closely with production, supply chain, and engineering teams.

• Responding to customer queries and providing technical documentation

It’s a varied role where you need to think critically, stay organised, and communicate well with different people across the business.

How did you get into this role?

I didn’t follow a completely straightforward path into the industry.

After studying Equine Science at university, I went on to work as a Groom for an event rider. However, I had always been interested in animal nutrition and wanted to explore a career in that area.

When the opportunity came up to join my work place , I applied for a role as a Quality Technician. I saw it as the perfect way to combine my background in equine science with my interest in nutrition, and I felt the best way to truly understand feed manufacturing was to be part of the team producing it.

Starting as a Quality Technician allowed me to support other members of the team, learn the fundamentals of quality assurance, and build my knowledge and confidence. I was keen to learn, ask questions, and develop wherever I could.

Over the last two years, I have progressed into my current role as a Quality Assurance Officer, continuing to build my experience and take on more responsibility within the business.

What skills or qualities matter most in your job?

Attention to detail is really important, along with being organised and managing your time well. Good problem-solving, communication and teamwork skills are also key.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy the variety - no two days are the same, and there is always something new to learn.

I also like being in a role where I can make a real impact. Ensuring products are safe and meet quality standards is hugely important, and it’s rewarding to know the work I do contributes to that.

What advice would you give someone thinking about this career?

Be open to learning and don’t worry if you don’t have a clear path from the start. There are many different routes into the industry.

If you enjoy problem-solving, working with data, and being part of a team that makes a difference, a career in quality assurance could be a great fit.