At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive produce quality standards and manage supplier relationships in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join IPL's innovative Technical Team focused on retail excellence.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Regular travel across the supply base and stores for hands-on experience.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food quality while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Passion for food technology and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
About The Role
We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Food Technologist – Produce to join our Technical Team at IPL as part of the retail technical function. If you are passionate and eager to contribute to driving produce quality standards for our customers, we would love to hear from you.
Position Details
- Schedule: Monday – Friday 08:30am – 5:00pm
- Location: Flexible to 3 options as your base – IPL, Normanton, Asda House, Sittingbourne Kent
- Contract type: Permanent
- Travel: applicants must hold a full driving licence, passport, and have access to their own vehicle due to regular travel across the supply base and stores.
Key Responsibilities
- Risk assess, maintain and implement a UK residue testing schedule.
- Regularly review label confirmations, ensuring all Retail requirements are met.
- Ensure all company due diligence requirements are in place.
- Maintain supplier approvals and implement regular due diligence for suppliers, sites and specifications using internal and external platforms.
- Act as the category technical representative for site audits and support any traceability challenges, ensuring full closure of non‑conformities and corrective actions.
- Manage specification amendments, publishing to all stakeholders and compiling required data reports.
- Manage benchmarking sessions including competitor shopping, report results back to key stakeholders.
- Provide a weekly CPMU business update.
- Give feedback to suppliers on technical/quality performance.
- Compile weekly crop reports and data, publish to key stakeholders.
- Monitor and record supplier responses to inbound reds, ensuring all rejections are recorded in line with company policies.
- Provide updated category information for supplier reviews.
- Maintain strong working relationships with internal colleagues, Asda and third‑party suppliers.
- Raise purchase orders and receive invoices as required.
- Manage and communicate government (HSE, APHA etc.) correspondence to key stakeholders.
Qualifications
Food Technologist - Produce employer: Forza Foods Ltd
At IPL, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. As a Food Technologist – Produce, you will benefit from flexible working options, a supportive team environment, and ample opportunities for professional growth within the retail technical function. Our commitment to quality standards and supplier relationships ensures that you will play a vital role in making a meaningful impact in the industry while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Technologist - Produce
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food tech industry, especially those working at IPL or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on what they're really looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK residue testing and supplier management. We want you to show off your expertise and passion for produce quality standards during those crucial conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of landing that Food Technologist role. We love seeing applications come directly from passionate candidates who are eager to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Food Technologist - Produce
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for food technology and produce shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about driving quality standards for our customers.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Food Technologist role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the key responsibilities listed in the job description. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we do!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, so don’t be afraid to get straight to the facts!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forza Foods Ltd
✨Know Your Produce
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of produce quality standards and testing schedules. Familiarise yourself with UK residue testing and be ready to discuss how you would implement and maintain these standards in your role.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with supplier approvals and due diligence processes. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate your ability to manage specifications and handle audits effectively.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your interpersonal skills during the interview. Discuss how you've successfully maintained relationships with suppliers and internal teams in the past, as this role requires strong collaboration with various stakeholders.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life situations, like handling non-conformities or managing supplier feedback. Think through potential scenarios beforehand and outline how you would approach them to show your problem-solving skills.
