Technical Account Manager, Wigan, Greater Manchester

We have an exciting opportunity for a Technical Account Manager to join our team at Agrial Fresh Produce in Wigan, WN5 0LB. The permanent role of Technical Account Manager has become vacant due to internal promotions. The Technical Account is the key Technical contact for all our customers across the UK business. Customers include the most popular food service restaurants in the UK, as well as key retailers and business-to-business companies. Most of our customer relationships have been built on long established, strong working relationships which we plan to continue to nurture and develop.

Working hours: Monday - Friday, 37.5 hours p/w, 8.30am - 5pm - but flexibility required around business needs.

Pay: Up to £50,000

Main Responsibilities:

• Create, build and maintain effective relationships with key customer contacts.
• Resolve customer technical issues, manage expectations and ensure satisfaction.
• Manage and oversee the Technical Compliance Officer, providing direction, motivation and support through management and leadership.
• Arrange and attend customer meetings to align priorities and promote the business positively in accordance with the Technical strategy.
• Represent the business at conferences and feedback on key actions.
• Create robust and aligned customer technical plans focusing on key metrics, complaint reductions, microbiological improvement and general site improvement projects.
• Assist with visits and audits from customers, accreditation bodies and regulatory bodies.
• Supply required documentation and support the implementation of corrective actions when required.
• Create, build and maintain effective relationships with internal teams to collaborate on food safety matters and the promotion of industry best practices and new technologies.
• Be the voice of the Customer to ensure technical standards are understood and maintained during change projects.
• Become a subject matter expert with a thorough understanding of both the sites capabilities and processes and the supply chain processes with our growers to maintain credibility with customers.

Skills and Experience Required:

• At least 5 years’ experience within a chilled food environment in QA/Technical roles with a degree or equivalent in Food or related discipline.
• Experience of working in a related customer facing technical role within the food industry and ideally experience with the agricultural side of produce.
• Confidently lead and manage people and individuals using exceptional management skills being both approachable and credible.
• Communicate effectively both in writing and verbally to influence high standards of service and delivery.
• Make quick confident decisions whilst under pressure.
• Show integrity and confidentiality in respect of your role and business information/affairs.
• Ensure General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is adhered to at all times.
• HACCP Certificate and hold an internal auditing qualification.

What You Will Get In Return:

• Life Assurance: 3x your basic salary paid to your nominated beneficiary.
• Employee Assistance Programme and BUPA: Providing a Remote GP service along with a 24/7 helpline for financial, legal, medical and life issues, as well as access to BUPA Membership.
• Annual leave entitlement: 33 days annual leave per annum inclusive of UK Bank Holidays which increases with service, as well as the option to purchase up to 2 additional working weeks of holiday per annum.
• Learning and Development: Personalised induction and regular learning and development courses and schemes: From L2 to L7 Funded Apprenticeships, Leadership Development Programme, First-Aid and MHFA Training, and many more!
• Benefits Platforms: Employee discount platform for multiple retailers and access to salary finance schemes for bicycles, gyms, and financial assistance.
• Other: Recognition awards, Regular Employee Engagement days, attendance incentives, an annual volunteering day, as well as access to a free physio and our on-site Occupational health nurse.

About Us: Agrial Fresh Produce is one of three UK food manufacturing sites within Agrial Fresh Produce Ltd, which is an autonomous part of the larger 17,500 employee strong French co-operative group, Agrial. Our Wigan site is a well-established business unit that processes and distributes pre-packed, ready to eat, fresh salad bags and bowls to some of the UK's well-known retailers and restaurants. We are based on Martland Park Industrial Estate, which is ideal for travel on the M61, M6 and M62. The business has other operations in the UK, known commonly with our recognisable Florette salad brand and we are one of the UK’s leading producers in the industry. In total, we sell on average around 600,000kg of products every week – an unbe-leaf-able amount! Agrial has operations across 11 countries, with 100 industrial sites, and a 2024 turnover of €7.1bn across 5 food divisions which comprise of Beverage, Dairy, Meat, Fresh Produce it’s not just about lettuce! As well as 2 factories we also have a farming operation – Agrial Fresh Farms. All UK sites operate under the name of Agrial Fresh Produce Limited and fall under Agrial's vegetable division. We have a recipe for success through our EPIC values and working together as one team.

Next Steps: It’s an exciting time to join our business as we look for new starters to join us to innovate in everything we do! We’re looking for positive and driven people to join our professional team. If you have the skills or experience we are looking for, and want a fresh challenge we would love for you to join us on our journey! Please apply directly or alternatively contact the HR team for a totally confidential and informal discussion.

VISA Sponsorship: Agrial Fresh Produce reserves the right to close this vacancy once we have received sufficient applications. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible. Agrial Fresh Produce Ltd is an Equal Opportunities employer. We are committed to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of all of our staff. That’s why we’ve taken the Mental Health at Work Commitment and are currently delivering a programme of activities to ensure that everyone can have open and honest conversations about their wellbeing in the workplace and feel supported. We encourage applications from persons with experience of poor mental health and are committed to supporting our employees to fulfil their potential and perform at their best in work.