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 supplier relationships 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.
Technical Manager Food in Leeds employer: Fresh People Ltd
Join a leading fresh produce business in Kent, where you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative environment that values innovation and continuous improvement. As a Technical Manager, you will have the opportunity to influence supplier quality and drive compliance while enjoying excellent career development prospects within a fast-paced industry. With strong exposure to retailer-facing operations and a focus on sustainability, this role offers a meaningful and rewarding career path for passionate professionals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Manager Food in Leeds
✨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 Fresh People Ltd.
✨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 Fresh People Ltd!
✨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 Fresh People Ltd, 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 Fresh People Ltd, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Manager Food in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Fresh People Ltd, 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 Fresh People Ltd.
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 Fresh People Ltd. 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 Fresh People Ltd. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fresh People Ltd
✨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 Fresh People Ltd’s mission.
