At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to ensure product quality, safety, and innovation at Waitrose.
- Company: Join the UK's largest employee-owned business with a focus on excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a supportive work-life balance.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food standards and make a real impact in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Food Science degree, HACCP training, and experience in technical management.
The predicted salary is between 75800 - 121000 £ per year.
We are looking for a visionary Category Technical Manager to lead a team of Technical Managers / Technologists in safeguarding Waitrose's reputation for excellence. You will oversee the safety, legality, and quality of our products while driving technical innovation and product development. If you are an inspiring leader with a passion for provenance and cross-functional collaboration, we invite you to help us elevate our standards and shape the future of our brand.
Salary: £75,800- £121,000
Contract type: Permanent
Working pattern/flexible working: The Partnership has adopted a hybrid working approach, meaning you'll be able to work a mixture between the office and home based upon your personal needs whilst balancing the needs of the business. For the Waitrose Own Brand Team this means 3 days a week of in-person time but it is not a hard and fast rule requiring everyone to be in the office 3 days a week.
Location: Bracknell Head office
Interviews: We are aiming for interviews to take place end of June / Early July
Key responsibilities:
- Responsible for leading a team of expert Technical Managers and Technologists in the technical management of a defined range of new and existing Waitrose products and their manufacture (at external manufacturers and/or farms) to ensure the quality, safety, legality and compliance to relevant brand standards and provenance of those products and their components.
- To manage and deliver product development programmes; to secure and develop the brand reputation of Waitrose.
- To identify and implement within the department and supply chain, technical innovation to drive improved business efficiency and growth.
- To develop and implement technical and sourcing standards that maintain and enhance the Waitrose and Partners Brand reputation.
- Lead and manage a team of Technical Managers and Technologists to reach their full potential and to be a role model for our Partnership values.
- Facilitate cross functional working across category PODs, demonstrating appropriate stakeholder engagement.
Essential skills/experience you'll need:
- Relevant Food Science degree or equivalent formal qualification.
- HACCP level 3 and Lead Auditor training.
- Relevant specialist training e.g allergens, microbiology, pesticide management, cosmetics.
- Current (within last 12 months) extensive technical experience within the food or non-food industry.
- Recent experience in line management of a team and driving improvement through data driven insights.
Closing Date: June 21, 2026
Pay: £75,800.00 - £121,000.00 Annual
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours of Work: 35
Job Level: Partnership Level 5
Where You'll Be Working: Bracknell Campus, Doncastle Road, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 8YA
Category Technical Manager in Bracknell employer: Jlp Insights & Media Website
At Waitrose, we pride ourselves on being the largest employee-owned business in the UK, fostering a culture of collaboration and respect where every Partner has a voice. Located in Bracknell, our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while maintaining strong team connections, and we are committed to your professional growth through continuous development opportunities. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to excellence in food quality and innovation, all while enjoying a supportive work environment that values diversity and well-being.
Contact Details:
Jlp Insights & Media Website Recruitment Team
