At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage quality and compliance in fresh produce, driving improvements across the supply chain.
- Company: Leading fresh produce business with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Collaborative environment, career development opportunities, and exposure to major retailers.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and grow your career in a dynamic sector.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product quality and sustainability in a fast-paced industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in technical management within fresh produce or food manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
A leading fresh produce business supplying major UK retail customers is looking to recruit an experienced Technical Manager to join its growing technical team based in Kent. This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially aware and hands-on technical professional who enjoys working closely with suppliers, growers, customers and internal teams to drive quality, compliance and continuous improvement across the supply chain. The role offers strong exposure across retailer-facing technical management, supplier engagement, product quality, innovation and sustainability initiatives within a fast-paced fresh produce environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage day-to-day technical, quality and compliance activities across suppliers and product categories
- Build strong working relationships with suppliers, growers, technical teams and commercial stakeholders
- Support retailer requirements, policies, standards and audit expectations
- Lead supplier visits, improvement plans and technical follow-up actions
- Monitor complaints, rejections, shelf life and KPI performance, driving corrective actions and improvements
- Maintain specifications, technical documentation and compliance systems
- Support product trials, benchmarking, packaging developments and innovation projects
- Work closely with procurement, product management and operational teams to ensure customer expectations are achieved
- Support audits, due diligence and compliance activities across the supply base
- Drive continuous improvement across product quality, systems and processes
Experience Required
- Previous Technical Manager, Technical Account Manager or Technical Compliance experience within fresh produce, food manufacturing or FMCG
- Strong experience working directly with customers, suppliers and growers
- Knowledge of retailer standards, specifications and compliance requirements
- Experience managing complaints, rejections, audits and quality performance
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Organised, proactive and capable of working within a fast-paced environment
Desirable
- Fresh produce experience
- Experience working with M&S, Tesco, Waitrose, Ocado or similar retail standards
- BRCGS knowledge
- Internal auditing experience
- Experience with technical portals, specifications and ERP systems
Whats on Offer
- Excellent exposure across retail-facing technical operations
- Opportunity to influence supplier quality, innovation and continuous improvement
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
- Long-term career development within a growing business
To apply, please send your CV for confidential consideration.
Locations
Technical Manager Food in Dartford, Kent employer: Fresh People Ltd
Join a leading fresh produce business in Kent, where you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative environment that prioritises quality and innovation. As a Technical Manager, you will have the opportunity to influence supplier relationships and drive continuous improvement, all while enjoying long-term career development within a dynamic team dedicated to excellence in the fresh produce sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Manager Food in Dartford, Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the fresh produce industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience with supplier engagement and quality management. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've driven improvements in past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Brush up on common interview questions related to technical compliance and quality assurance. Think about how you can relate your answers back to the key responsibilities of the Technical Manager role, especially around managing complaints and audits.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team in making a difference in the fresh produce sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Manager Food in Dartford, Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Technical Manager role. Highlight your experience in fresh produce, food manufacturing, or FMCG, and showcase how you've driven quality and compliance in previous roles.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples of how you've built relationships with suppliers and managed technical compliance. This will show us you’re the hands-on professional we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We love a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your relevant experience and achievements without wading through unnecessary fluff.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fresh People Ltd
✨Know Your Fresh Produce
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of fresh produce, including current trends and challenges in the industry. Being able to discuss specific products and their quality standards will show that you're genuinely interested and knowledgeable about the role.
✨Build Relationships in Your Mind
Think about how you would approach building strong relationships with suppliers and growers. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged stakeholders and driven improvements. This will demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively.
✨Understand Retailer Standards
Familiarise yourself with the retailer standards mentioned in the job description, like those from M&S, Tesco, or Waitrose. Be ready to discuss how your previous experience aligns with these standards and how you can ensure compliance and quality in your new role.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss specific instances where you've managed complaints or quality issues. Highlight your approach to driving corrective actions and continuous improvement. This will showcase your proactive mindset and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
