At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical management for Tesco's fresh produce, ensuring quality and safety standards.
- Company: Join a collaborative business focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Autonomy in decision-making, strong supplier partnerships, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Engage with diverse teams and contribute to exciting sustainability initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product quality and drive continuous improvement in the supply chain.
- Qualifications: Experience in technical roles within fresh produce or food manufacturing is essential.
Looking for a role where you'll have real ownership and influence? If you're an experienced Technical Manager who enjoys building supplier relationships, driving quality improvements and being the technical expert for a key retail customer, this could be the opportunity you've been looking for.
We're looking for someone to take full technical responsibility for a Tesco fresh produce category, working closely with growers, suppliers, commercial teams and the customer to ensure products consistently meet the highest standards of quality, safety and legality. This isn't a role where you'll simply maintain standards-you'll have the opportunity to improve them.
What you'll be doing
- As Technical Manager, you'll be the key technical contact for your product category, ensuring excellent communication between suppliers, commercial teams and Tesco whilst driving continuous improvement across the supply chain.
- You'll be responsible for:
- Taking full technical ownership of a Tesco fresh produce category.
- Building strong relationships with suppliers and maintaining regular communication throughout the season.
- Monitoring product quality and proactively managing any issues before they become problems.
- Providing technical recommendations during daily production meetings.
- Managing customer complaints, identifying trends and implementing effective corrective actions.
- Leading investigations following customer rejections and ensuring preventative actions are implemented.
- Ensuring Tesco Quality Connect specifications, product records and Brandbank information are accurate and up to date.
- Managing artwork approvals and packaging developments for your product area.
- Preparing products for benchmarking, customer visits and sample requests.
- Supporting trial work and product innovation projects.
- Completing weekly customer reports and technical documentation.
- Conducting end-of-season supplier reviews and driving continuous improvement plans.
- Managing supplier due diligence and ensuring all compliance documentation remains current.
- Supporting sustainability initiatives across the supply base.
- Working closely with Sales, Marketing and Packaging teams to deliver commercially successful product and packaging developments.
- Identifying opportunities for innovation, including new varieties, packaging improvements and sustainability projects.
- Supporting the ongoing development of Business Objects and technical systems.
What we're looking for
- You'll already have experience within a Technical, Customer Technical or Supplier Technical role in fresh produce or food manufacturing and be comfortable working with retailer standards.
- You'll also bring:
- Experience managing retailer technical relationships.
- Strong knowledge of food safety, quality and legality requirements.
- Experience managing supplier performance and due diligence.
- Knowledge of retailer specification systems such as Tesco Quality Connect.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- A proactive approach with the confidence to challenge and influence where needed.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- A passion for continuous improvement and delivering the highest standards.
Why join?
This is an opportunity to become the technical lead for a major retail account, working within a collaborative business where your expertise will genuinely influence quality, supplier performance and future product development. You'll have the autonomy to make decisions, build strong supplier partnerships and play a key role in delivering innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement across the supply chain.
Interested? Apply today or contact Luan Harrison at MorePeople for a confidential conversation.
Technical Manager in Sittingbourne 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 Technical Manager in Sittingbourne
✨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 MorePeople.
✨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 MorePeople!
✨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 MorePeople, 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 MorePeople, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Manager in Sittingbourne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at MorePeople, 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 MorePeople.
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 MorePeople. 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 MorePeople. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at MorePeople
✨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 MorePeople’s mission.
