At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and ensure top-notch food safety and quality standards.
- Company: Join a leading fresh produce company committed to sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, hybrid working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a mix of office, factory, and field work.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fresh produce supply chain while working with passionate professionals.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years' experience in fresh produce, strong communication skills, and a degree in a related field.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Passionate about Fresh Produce? Ready to Make an Impact? Do you enjoy working closely with growers and suppliers, solving technical challenges and driving continuous improvement across the fresh produce supply chain? We're looking for an experienced Supplier Technical Manager to become the technical link between our suppliers, growers, production teams and customers. You'll play a vital role in ensuring the highest standards of food safety, quality, legality, ethical compliance and sustainability are achieved throughout our supply base. If you're looking for a role that combines supplier engagement, technical expertise and hands-on involvement with crops, farms and manufacturing, we'd love to hear from you.
The Role
- Working closely with Procurement, Technical, Quality, Agronomy and Commercial teams, you'll oversee supplier compliance, crop quality and technical performance across our UK and European supply base.
- You'll build trusted supplier relationships while driving continuous improvement in food safety, quality, sustainability and operational performance.
- This is a varied role, split between the office, factory, farms and supplier sites, offering plenty of opportunity to get out into the field and make a real difference.
What You'll Be Doing
- Managing supplier approval and due diligence across UK and European growers and suppliers.
- Acting as the key technical contact between suppliers, growers, factory teams and customers.
- Leading supplier audits and farm visits, covering food safety, crop quality, ethical compliance and best practice.
- Monitoring crop quality, pest and disease risks, implementing corrective actions where required.
- Managing microbiological and pesticide residue monitoring programmes.
- Managing pesticide approvals through Food Experts and retailer systems.
- Reviewing crop risk assessments and supporting HACCP compliance.
- Supporting growers with food safety, due diligence and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Managing supplier performance through KPIs, end-of-season reviews and improvement plans.
- Investigating quality issues, supplier concerns and technical incidents.
- Producing weekly crop quality reports for Procurement, Commercial and Technical teams.
- Supporting specification reviews, customer visits and technical meetings.
- Supporting Scope 3 environmental compliance initiatives across the supply chain.
- Keeping up to date with changing retailer requirements, legislation and industry standards.
What We're Looking For
- You’ll ideally bring: 3-5+ years' technical experience within Fresh Produce or Agri-Food.
- Strong knowledge of supplier assurance, auditing and technical compliance.
- Experience working with growers and fresh produce supply chains.
- Excellent understanding of: BRCGS, HACCP, GlobalG.A.P., Red Tractor, LEAF, SEDEX, GRASP, HACCP Level 3 qualification.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Commercial awareness with the confidence to challenge and influence suppliers.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach and excellent attention to detail.
Qualifications
- Essential: Degree in Food Science, Agriculture, Agri-Food or a related discipline. HACCP Level 3.
- Desirable: BASIS Crop Protection Certificate. FACTS Qualification. Spanish or Italian language skills. Experience using Food Experts, Muddy Boots and retailer technical platforms.
Why Join Us?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a business that values quality, innovation and sustainable farming. You'll work with leading growers across the UK and Europe, helping shape supplier performance while supporting the delivery of exceptional fresh produce to customers. You'll have the opportunity to influence supplier capability, improve product quality and contribute to sustainability initiatives that make a genuine difference across the supply chain.
What's On Offer?
- Competitive salary
- Excellent benefits package
- Hybrid working
- Career development opportunities
- A varied role combining office, factory and field-based work
- The chance to work with an experienced and collaborative technical team
- A business committed to continuous improvement and sustainable food production
Ready to Grow Your Career? If you're an experienced technical professional with a passion for fresh produce and supplier quality, we'd love to hear from you.
Supplier Technical Manager in Andover employer: MorePeople
Join a leading UK food manufacturing business in Quarrington, where you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that values innovation and teamwork. With a structured shift pattern and a strong focus on employee development, this role offers excellent opportunities for continuous improvement and career growth, making it an ideal place for skilled Electrical Engineers looking to make a meaningful impact in the FMCG sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supplier Technical Manager in Andover
✨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 MorePeople 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 Supplier Technical Manager in Andover
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 MorePeople does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at MorePeople
✨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 MorePeople 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 MorePeople.
✨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 MorePeople.
