At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure quality and safety of itsu grocery products while managing supplier performance.
- Company: Join itsu, a leading Asian-inspired healthy eating brand with global ambitions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, health insurance, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Hybrid working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in food safety and quality within a dynamic, innovative environment.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in food safety, degree in food science, and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
The ideal candidate should have at least 6 years’ experience working in a food safety and technical role with manufacturing and retail/brand experience. Strong knowledge of food safety, microbiology and food regulations is essential. Expertise in the chilled and frozen food category is preferable. Internal & external audit experience and an understanding of requirements for GFSI accreditations are required. Excellent attention to detail whilst never losing sight of the bigger picture is necessary. Strong stakeholder management and communication skills are needed, along with the ability to work with a number of different suppliers. Experience working with international suppliers (Asian suppliers preferred) and willingness to travel to Asia is important. Line management experience is preferable. A qualification to degree level in food science or a similar subject is required. A passion for food, particularly Asian inspired food, is essential.
About us: itsu is the healthy eating, Asian inspired quick service retail & grocery brand with over 70 stores in the UK and a leading grocery business across Europe and beyond. Renowned for its best-in-class food made fresh in every shop every day, itsu has huge global ambitions with a commitment to continue to open many more stores and intensify the growth of its already thriving grocery arm. With its best-in-class healthy food, latest technology, innovation, and talented workforce, itsu is the future of fast food. itsu (grocery), which this role falls under, takes the itsu brand into supermarkets, health food stores, online, wholesale and internationally with products such as crispy seaweed thins, frozen gyoza & bao, brilliant broth, rice noodles & miso easy to name a few.
D&I statement: itsu (grocery) is committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive organisation. We encourage applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply for all of our opportunities.
Scope of the role: Responsible for the quality, safety, legality and authenticity of itsu (grocery) products and supplier performance. Support the Head of Technical to maintain and improve the food safety & quality management system and ensure AA Grade certification against the BRC A&B standard is maintained. Has ultimate accountability for certain procedures and records. Responsible for driving the awareness and improvement of a food safety culture and ensuring it is always considered during decision making. Support the Head of Technical in creating the technical strategy, implementation and embedding within the supply base, including leading on key policies and projects to drive improvement. Manage the Category Food Technologist/Senior Food Technologist with a focus on their development plan progression.
Key responsibilities:
- Oversee the approval and management of suppliers, ensuring all safety, legal and quality information is captured and assessed within the required timeframes, kept up to date and risks successfully managed. Conduct food safety audits when required.
- Drive an improvement in supplier performance through relationship building, supplier reviews, KPIs and the creation of strategic technical plans.
- Analyse and interpret trends in customer complaints and product testing. Conduct investigations with suppliers for high risk issues and coach the Food Technologist/Senior Food Technologist through low and medium risk investigations to identify the root cause and put corrective and preventative actions in place.
- Oversee the ongoing monitoring of product quality, safety and authenticity and the management of investigations for routine surveillance testing, shelf-life evaluation and organoleptic testing.
- Responsible for the technical elements of NPD and EPD projects ensuring the gate process is followed, testing is completed on time for nutritional, cooking instructions and shelf life and any technical issues are foreseen and resolved prior to launch. Attend production trials and first productions.
- Responsible for the technical sign off at gate 2 and support the Food Technologist/Senior Food Technologist to approve the product specifications and artwork accurately and on time. Sign off compliance with itsu (grocery) brand standards, labelling regulations and always have the consumer at the forefront.
What we offer:
- Competitive salary
- Competitive bonus scheme
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays (two bank holidays are interchangeable for other religious holidays)
- Health insurance
- Company pension scheme
- Hybrid working (2 days wfh)
- Opportunity to work from home abroad
- 50% employee discount in itsu shops
- Free itsu lunch
- Discounts at major retailers
- A sizeable training budget to support your ongoing development
Category Technical Manager - Frozen employer: Itsu Limited
itsu is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions innovation and healthy eating. With a commitment to employee growth through a sizeable training budget and opportunities for hybrid working, itsu fosters a diverse and inclusive environment where your passion for food can thrive. Located in the heart of the UK, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering best-in-class products while enjoying competitive benefits such as health insurance, generous holiday allowances, and substantial discounts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Technical Manager - Frozen
✨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 Itsu Limited.
✨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 Itsu Limited!
✨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 Itsu Limited, 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 Itsu Limited, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Technical Manager - Frozen
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Itsu Limited, 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 Itsu Limited.
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 Itsu Limited. 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 Itsu Limited. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Itsu Limited
✨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 Itsu Limited’s mission.
