At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical strategy and manage key retailer relationships in fresh produce.
- Company: Dynamic company focused on food safety and quality in the fresh produce sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Join a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food safety and quality while leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in fresh produce and strong relationship management skills.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
Own Major Retailer Relationships. Shape Technical Strategy. Lead Fresh Produce Excellence.
Reporting directly to the Commercial Director, this is a high-profile leadership position where technical expertise, customer relationship management and commercial understanding come together. You'll be the trusted technical voice for the business, ensuring retailer expectations are consistently exceeded while protecting product integrity, food safety, legality and quality throughout the supply chain.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Own and develop the technical relationships with multiple retailers, becoming a trusted and credible partner to customer technical teams and the key point of escalation for significant issues.
- Lead the customer technical agenda, ensuring retailer Codes of Practice, specifications, food safety requirements, quality standards, ethical expectations and compliance programmes are consistently delivered.
- Set the technical strategy and oversee customer KPIs, performance improvement plans, technical reviews and escalation management, using insight and data to drive stronger customer performance.
- Lead, support and develop the Technical function, creating a culture centred around accountability, customer service, continuous improvement and technical excellence.
- Work cross-functionally with Commercial, Operations, Procurement, Quality and the wider supply chain to resolve complex technical challenges and identify opportunities to improve product and service performance.
- Provide technical leadership across the fresh produce supply chain, ensuring robust controls around product safety, legality, authenticity, quality, traceability, supplier assurance and product integrity.
- Represent the business at customer meetings, technical reviews and strategic forums, confidently communicating technical performance, risks, opportunities and improvement plans.
- Act as a senior technical advisor to the Commercial Director and wider leadership team, translating customer expectations and emerging market requirements into practical business strategies.
What We're Looking For:
- Significant technical experience within fresh produce, with a strong understanding of agricultural supply chains, product quality, food safety and technical compliance.
- Proven experience owning the technical relationship with a major UK retailer, with the confidence to manage senior customer stakeholders, challenging conversations and escalations.
- Excellent knowledge of retailer technical standards, food safety, quality, legality, product integrity and supply chain compliance.
- Exceptional relationship-building and influencing skills, with the ability to operate credibly with customers, suppliers, senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
- A proactive, commercially aware and solutions-focused approach, with the confidence to set direction, manage competing priorities and drive meaningful technical improvements.
We're Hiring: Technical Director - Building Safety in Ely employer: Henderson Brown Recruitment Limited
Join a dynamic food manufacturing business that prioritises employee growth and development in the Supply Chain sector. With a supportive work culture that encourages learning and collaboration, you'll have the chance to build a rewarding career while working alongside experienced professionals. Enjoy the benefits of a fast-paced environment where your contributions are valued, and you can make a real impact on production efficiency.
Contact Details:
Henderson Brown Recruitment Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land We're Hiring: Technical Director - Building Safety in Ely
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like Henderson Brown Recruitment Limited often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace We're Hiring: Technical Director - Building Safety in Ely
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Henderson Brown Recruitment Limited does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Henderson Brown Recruitment Limited
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Henderson Brown Recruitment Limited will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Henderson Brown Recruitment Limited.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Henderson Brown Recruitment Limited.