At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure product safety and quality while leading a dynamic technical team.
- Company: Join itsu, a vibrant brand focused on food safety and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive bonuses, health insurance, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with the Co-Founder and travel internationally.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food safety and quality in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in food safety and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.
The role involves protecting the itsu (grocery) brand by ensuring product safety, quality, legality, and authenticity is maintained across the range and supply base. Responsibilities include driving improvements in product quality and safety, reducing customer complaints, and ensuring artwork designs comply with regulations.
Key duties include:
- Leading the Technical team and embedding the new structure.
- Coaching and developing direct reports to ensure a strong succession plan.
- Managing food safety and quality incidents effectively and timely, providing objective advice for the CEO and MDs on the correct course of action.
- Reviewing and evolving the “itsu (grocery) food safety & quality management system” to drive continuous improvement in food safety standards and culture.
- Maintaining BRC Agents & Brokers certification (AA grade).
- Reviewing the Technical strategy in light of team, processes, industry issues, legislative changes, and risks within the supply chain.
- Playing an active role in the management team, keeping the business informed of emerging issues and ensuring decisions prioritise product quality and consumer safety.
Requirements include:
- Extensive experience in food safety and technical roles with both manufacturing and retail/brand experience, across various food categories.
- Strong knowledge of food safety, microbiology, and food regulations.
- Experience leading a full technical function.
- Internal and external audit experience with a deep understanding of GFSI accreditation requirements (e.g., BRC, IFS, SQF).
- Experience working with international suppliers (Asian suppliers preferred) and willingness to travel to Asia multiple times a year.
- Excellent attention to detail while maintaining a broader perspective.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, capable of leading a company response to food safety or quality issues.
What we offer:
- The chance to work directly with the Co-Founder of itsu & Pret.
- Competitive bonus scheme.
- 25 days holiday.
- Health insurance.
- Company pension scheme.
- Free itsu lunch and 50% off at other times.
Technical Director in London employer: Itsu Limited
At itsu, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and quality are at the forefront. As a Technical Director, you will have the unique opportunity to lead a dedicated team while collaborating closely with our Co-Founder, ensuring that our products meet the highest safety and quality standards. With competitive benefits including a generous holiday allowance, health insurance, and a supportive culture focused on employee growth and development, itsu is committed to fostering a workplace where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Technical Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching itsu's values and recent news. We want to see how your experience aligns with their mission of product safety and quality. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your STAR technique for answering competency questions. We want to hear about your past experiences in food safety and leadership. Make sure you highlight those moments where you made a real impact!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. We want to remind them of your enthusiasm for the role and keep you top of mind as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Technical Director role. Highlight your extensive experience in food safety and technical roles, and don’t forget to mention any relevant certifications like BRC or GFSI accreditations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re the perfect fit for our team. Share specific examples of how you've driven improvements in product quality and safety in previous roles, and how you can bring that expertise to itsu.
Showcase Leadership Skills:As a leader, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to coach and develop teams. Include examples of how you’ve successfully led a technical function and managed food safety incidents, showing us your decision-making prowess.
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 this exciting opportunity with itsu!
How to prepare for a job interview at Itsu Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your food safety knowledge and regulations. Familiarise yourself with the BRC Agents & Brokers certification and any recent changes in food safety standards. This will show that you're not just a candidate, but someone who genuinely understands the industry.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Technical Director, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully coached and developed your direct reports in the past. Highlight your experience in managing food safety incidents and how you’ve driven improvements in product quality.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about specific situations regarding food safety and quality management. Think of scenarios where you had to make tough decisions or lead investigations. Be clear about your thought process and the outcomes of your actions.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong stakeholder management is key in this role. Practice articulating complex technical information in a way that's easy to understand. Show that you can communicate effectively with both technical teams and non-technical stakeholders, ensuring everyone is on the same page.