At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Quality and Food Safety Team, ensuring high standards in food safety and compliance.
- Company: Join apetito, the UK's leading food supplier dedicated to health and social care.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and a discretionary bonus scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and a chance to contribute to sustainable practices.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in food safety while working in a supportive, family-owned environment.
- Qualifications: 8 years of experience in food safety management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The safety and quality of our food is a core foundational requirement and as a market leading business, we aim to drive and provide assurance of consistently high standards of food safety, legality and quality with an integrity and transparency that encourages trust and engagement from our colleagues, stakeholders and customers.
We are currently delivering several important projects due to our continued growth which includes building a new state of the art frozen food manufacturing facility just a few hundred yards away from our current kitchens in Trowbridge, Wiltshire. To support the team during this busy time, we are looking for an interim Technical Manager. This role, reporting to the UK Group Technical Manager, will take on management of the site Quality and Foods Safety Team and HACCP based systems ensuring continued delivery of our business aims, and maintaining our AA grade against the BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety. The role will initially last for 6 months and has potential for extension.
Who we are: apetito is the UK’s leading food supplier to the health and social care sectors serving more than 1,300 care homes, health care and education settings. Our meals are expertly crafted by our dieticians and chefs, and then frozen to lock in the goodness. Wiltshire Farm Foods, our sister company, is the UK’s largest ready meal supplier cooking and delivering over 330 different delicious frozen ready meals across the UK.
Responsibilities:
- The health and safety of self and others
- Leadership of the Kitchen East Quality and Food Safety Auditing team
- Maintenance of process control, validation, HACCP and related systems
- Providing and supporting team and colleague training
- Leading and closure of internal and 3rd party audits to ensure compliance is maintained to the highest levels
- Minimisation of held materials and finished stock
- Submission and presentation of monthly reports in relation to key accountabilities and KPI’s
- Maintaining respected, collaborative and influential relationships with colleagues and external personnel
- Prevention, investigation and closure of incidents and customer complaints
- Pest Control for Kitchen East
- Provide cover for the Group Technical Manager, Technical Manager Kitchen East and QFSA supervisors
About you:
- 8 years experience managing food safety and quality teams in a manufacturing environment, ideally large in a large manufacturer of complex foods eg ready meals
- Strong mentoring, coaching and people development skills to maximise team potential
- A strong understanding of the BRCGS standard for Food Safety and related food regulations
- Creation and continuous improvement of HACCP based quality management systems
- Certification that enables you to undertake internal audits and host 3rd party audits
- Management and control of food allergen and microbiological risks
- Investigation, resolution and prevention of issues and complaints
Company Benefits:
- Competitive salary – accredited Living Wage employer
- 25 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays
- Option to purchase up to 5 additional days holiday per year
- Discretionary annual bonus scheme
- Pension scheme - employer matched contributions up to 4%
- Life assurance scheme worth at least 1x annual salary
- Subsidised canteen
- Free parking
- Free turkey or voucher at Christmas
- apetito perks scheme including salary sacrifice options and retail discounts
Our Values:
As a family-owned business, we take great pride in being a company that makes a real difference and is dedicated to creating outstanding meals to be proud of. We develop a range of products designed to enhance health and well-being for all our customers. We are driven by a passion for service and dedicated to feeding some of the UK’s most vulnerable people. We proudly support British food and farming, focusing on using the best ethical and sustainable produce in alignment with our goal to reach Net Zero by 2040. Our ethical standards are recognised by the ETI and we are an accredited Living Wage employer. We embrace inclusion, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds. Our commitment to making a real difference extends to customers, communities, and staff and we’re on a mission to build an inclusive workplace where everyone reaches their full potential.
Interim Technical Manager in Trowbridge employer: apetito
apetito is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the health and well-being of both employees and the communities we serve. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to employee development, we empower our team members to thrive in their roles while contributing to meaningful projects in our state-of-the-art facility in Trowbridge, Wiltshire. Join us in making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals across the UK, all while enjoying unique benefits like a discretionary bonus scheme and a family-oriented atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Technical Manager in Trowbridge
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like apetito.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from apetito!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like apetito, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at apetito, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Technical Manager in Trowbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at apetito, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at apetito.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to apetito. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at apetito. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at apetito
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to apetito’s mission.