At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage product quality and safety for fresh produce, ensuring top-notch standards.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at IPL Normanton, committed to innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, competitive salary, and a range of health benefits.
- Other info: Flexible travel opportunities across the UK and overseas, with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product quality while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in a technical role, preferably in retail food; strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
About The Role
Join Our Dynamic Technical Team at IPL Normanton! We are thrilled to announce an exciting opportunity for a Category Technical Manager to become a vital part of our Technical Team at our Produce Packing Facility in Normanton. If you are passionate about and eager to contribute to a dynamic team, this role is perfect for you!
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Management of ASDA/IPL specifications and communication to the business/supply base ensuring goods to specification are procured and supplied.
- On‑boarding and maintaining due diligence controls of our suppliers, and auditing requirements.
- Interaction with QA teams in ASDA and IPL packing sites to ensure specifications are met.
- Use of customer feedback, data management and trend analysis to enable implementation of corrective actions relating to IPL agreed technical KPI’s.
- Influencing buying decisions in relation to supplier selection and supply calendar, to ensure the best quality products at the right price are always available for our customers.
- Delivering the new product and varietal plan alongside the procurement teams.
- Supporting the GNFR team to deliver practical solutions within our supplier base for the reduction and/or removal packaging that will impact or EPR charges.
- Keeping up to date with industry issues and factors that could potentially affect product safety, quality, legality, integrity or availability, and putting actions in place to mitigate the impact on IPL/ASDA products.
- Supporting our Responsible Sourcing objectives and commitments, being the eyes and ears within our supplier base, helping our suppliers to deliver initiatives that support our commitments, and where applicable engaging with NGO’s and Govt. organisations.
- Managing our technologist / technical administrator colleagues, developing their skills and experience to ensure we have robust succession plans.
- Visit Asda suppliers and stores regularly to monitor quality, see how our products are performing, engaging with our store colleagues and suppliers to drive quality perception improvements within span of control.
What are we looking for?
- The guardian of product safety, quality and legality for salad products in Asda.
- Experience in a technical role within a retail food business, ideally with fresh produce experience although not essential.
- Experience and confidence in auditing third party vendors as well as conducting internal audits.
- Ability to translate technical issues into easily understood language.
- Agile and able to manage priorities and workload for self and direct reports.
- Able to remain laser focussed on product quality with an understanding of commercial.
- Logical and evidence‑led approach with good influencing skills.
- HACCP Level 3 and internal auditing/BRC training and Lead Assessor experience is desirable but not essential.
- Attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to travel to sites within the UK and overseas.
- Knowledge of the full project life cycle.
- A full driving licence with access to your own vehicle is essential for this due to the amount of travel involved.
What's in it for you?
At IPL, Forza, and Kober, we're dynamic businesses, dedicated to fostering the development of our colleagues and creating an exceptional work environment. We believe in the power of teamwork and collaboration to drive our success. In return, we offer opportunities for professional development, a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- 15% Asda In‑store Discount
- Annual Bonus Scheme
- 33 days Annual Leave - Inclusive of 8 days bank holiday
- Enhanced pension scheme
- Life Assurance – all our colleagues benefit from life assurance of 4 x their annual base salary
- Help@hand – free, direct access to health and wellbeing support service, including unlimited video consultations with a UK‑based GP 24/7, physiotherapy, and mental health support
- Grocery Aid – partnership provides a wide range of emotional, practical, and financial support services
- Electric Vehicle Scheme
- Asda Mobile Discount – 30% off a wide range of Asda Mobile bundles and add‑ons for our colleagues and one of their family members
- Discounted health assessments – exclusive negotiated rates on self‑pay BUPA Health Assessments for you and members of your household
- Asda Pet Insurance discount – up to 10% discount
- Mortgage Advice Bureau – free, no‑obligation mortgage and protection advice
- Exclusive Exchange Rates via Asda Money – better exchange rate for travel money when buying currency through Asda Travel Money (TravelEx)
- Ride‑to‑work scheme – savings across bikes, clothing, and equipment
- Care Concierge – resource for health and well‑being support
Plus, lots more! Depending on job band, other fantastic benefits are also available including private healthcare, car allowances, and long‑term incentive schemes.
About Us
Our purpose here at IPL, Forza & Kober is simple: we are one team who creates exceptional value for our customers and our mission is to support Asda on their journey to becoming #2 in the marketplace. Through our people we live and breathe our values and play to our strengths, while supporting each other’s development. We are a community of passionate individuals who possess a wide variety of skills and expertise, working collectively to form a high‑performing team. We are committed to a fully inclusive business that is representative of our customers, locations and the communities we serve. We recognise the value in diversity and welcome applications from all candidates regardless of sex, age, race, religion, gender or sexual identity and socio‑economic background. We are committed to making IPL, Forza and Kober a place where everyone can enjoy a successful career and have systems in place to support all our colleagues.
Category Technical Manager - Produce employer: Kober Ltd
At IPL Normanton, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values teamwork, professional development, and employee well-being. Our dynamic work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, while our comprehensive benefits package, including a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and health support services, ensures that our colleagues feel valued and supported. With opportunities for growth and a commitment to inclusivity, joining our team means becoming part of a community dedicated to excellence in the produce industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Technical Manager - Produce
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their products and how your role as a Category Technical Manager fits into their mission. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role and what unique skills you bring to the table. Keep it concise and engaging – think of it as your personal brand statement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our dynamic team at IPL Normanton!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Technical Manager - Produce
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category Technical Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in technical roles, especially in fresh produce, and show how you can contribute to our dynamic team at IPL Normanton.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Use specific examples to illustrate your experience in managing specifications and influencing buying decisions.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your technical knowledge and how you can translate complex issues into easily understood terms, as this is key for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, your application will be processed more efficiently, and you'll have a better chance of standing out to our hiring team. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kober Ltd
✨Know Your Produce Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of fresh produce, including current trends and quality standards. Being able to discuss specific products and their specifications will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and understand the technical aspects involved.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about auditing processes, supplier management, and product safety. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated these areas. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving skills effectively.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Category Technical Manager, you'll need to translate complex technical issues into simple terms. Prepare to explain how you've done this in previous roles. Clear communication is key, so practice articulating your thoughts concisely and confidently.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
This role is all about collaboration, so be ready to discuss how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Share examples of how you've influenced decisions or improved processes through teamwork, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
