At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality standards for protein across our supply chain and ensure top-notch product quality.
- Company: Join the family at Five Guys, where we serve fresh burgers and fries with integrity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous bonus, pension scheme, and perks like discounts and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food quality while travelling across Europe and building strong supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in the meat industry and strong problem-solving skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Company: JR UK Client / Employer: Five Guys UK
We're the burger restaurant with the uncomplicated formula: burgers and fries cooked to perfection, with no frozen ingredients. And we've stuck to the same 'perfect and serve' philosophy since our family business began in 1986. These days, we're still just as much a family as we always have been. We have tons of integrity, we're enthusiastic, we're competitive and we just get it done – whatever the challenge.
We are looking for a hands‑on Technical & Quality Manager to lead technical standards and product quality across our supply chain, from suppliers through to restaurants across all JV territories. This role has a strong protein focus, so experience in the meat industry is ideal. You will be the go‑to technical partner for protein, owning supplier quality performance, finished goods standards, food safety, compliance and continuous improvement. You will spend time on‑site with suppliers and in restaurants, building strong relationships and driving consistent execution to the standards our customers expect.
What you’ll be responsible for:
- Own and continuously improve our Supplier Quality Management system, including onboarding suppliers, managing specifications, approving labels and maintaining finished goods standards.
- Act as the technical lead and subject matter expert for protein, ensuring standards, safety and quality are consistently met.
- Support Procurement with the technical integrity of new supplier integration and supply base improvements.
- Create and document clear procedures and ways of working with stakeholders across all territories.
- Monitor supplier quality performance, reduce non‑compliance and lead improvement projects that strengthen safety and quality outcomes.
- Partner with Operations and restaurants to resolve product quality issues, including daily management of Product Issue Forms.
- Set and maintain achievable quality standards with suppliers aligned to finished goods expectations and in‑store execution.
- Lead store calibrations and product testing, driving corrective action with suppliers where standards are not met.
- Investigate and manage quality issues at distribution centres and supplier sites using root cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Ensure label compliance in each country of operation and maintain accurate allergen, ingredient and nutritional information.
- Stay up to date on relevant legislation and identify risks and opportunities.
- Maintain an effective TACCP system, identifying technical risks and strengthening supply chain security and sustainability.
- Support technical projects, customer complaint investigations and provide cover for the wider team.
What we’re looking for:
Ideal background:
- Strong technical and quality experience within the meat industry or protein supply chain.
- Experience managing supplier performance, audits and finished goods standards.
- Confident working across Procurement, Supply Chain, Operations and suppliers.
- Strong problem‑solving skills with experience of root cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Solid knowledge of food safety, labelling and allergen compliance.
Style and mindset:
- Comfortable owning standards and driving continuous improvement.
- Strong relationship builder who can influence suppliers and internal teams.
- Flexible and open to travel across territories.
Why join us:
You will play a key role in protecting and elevating our core product standards, with a particular focus on protein, helping ensure quality and consistency from source to store.
Travel: This role supports all JV territories and will involve regular travel across the UK, France, Spain and Germany.
Our rewards and benefits:
- A generous annual bonus based on business performance.
- Pension scheme.
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
- Electric car salary sacrifice scheme.
- Long service rewards after 5 and 10 years with Five Guys.
- Five Guys Perks & discounts.
- Invite to our annual General Managers conference – this year we celebrated in Rome!
- Life assurance.
- Private medical via Vitality.
- Wellbeing support.
Supplier Technical Manager (Protein) in Southampton employer: Five Guys
At Five Guys UK, we pride ourselves on our family-oriented culture and commitment to quality, making us an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the food industry. As a Supplier Technical Manager focusing on protein, you'll enjoy a dynamic work environment that fosters strong relationships with suppliers and internal teams, alongside generous benefits such as a performance-based bonus, enhanced parental leave, and opportunities for travel across Europe. Join us to elevate our product standards while enjoying perks like discounts, life assurance, and private medical support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supplier Technical Manager (Protein) in Southampton
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We think you need these skills to ace Supplier Technical Manager (Protein) in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Five Guys, 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!
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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 Five Guys. 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 Five Guys. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Five Guys
✨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.
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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!
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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 Five Guys’s mission.
