Supplier Technical Manager (Maternity Cover)

Office Base London or Redditch, hybrid working pattern with regular collaboration with suppliers and production partners. Working Hours Monday to Friday (9am–6pm), Permanent / Full-time. Please note We're not able to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

About Oddbox: As much as 2.5 billion tonnes of food are wasted globally every year – which plays a big part in the climate crisis. We're on a mission to change that, rescuing fruit and veg from hard‑working growers, alongside plastic‑free ingredients and products from brands doing good for the planet. With fruit, veg and more delivered right to your door, we're working towards a fairer food system – one where growers are supported and paid fairly, where produce doesn't have to look "perfect" and, most importantly, a food system where we never waste taste. No more unnecessary air miles or plastic – just delicious food that fights waste with every box.

The Role: We're looking for a Supplier Technical Manager to cover a period of maternity leave, so start in August/September. To improve and maintain the quality standards of the fresh produce and products purchased by Oddbox, working closely with our Buying, Sourcing, Quality and Operations teams, you'll build strong relationships with growers and suppliers to drive quality improvements, strengthen supplier performance and support data‑driven sourcing decisions. This role plays a critical part in ensuring a consistently excellent customer experience by improving supplier standards, reducing intake rejections, strengthening OTIF performance and supporting a resilient, sustainable supply base. You'll act as a trusted technical partner to our suppliers, helping them meet Oddbox standards while continuously improving quality, compliance and sustainability across our supply chain.

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor and analyse product and supplier performance to support data‑driven sourcing and buying decisions.
• Investigate and resolve declines in supplier or product performance, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with growers, suppliers and production partners, acting as a trusted technical contact.
• Lead supplier audits, technical assessments and approval processes to ensure compliance with Oddbox standards.
• Manage supplier onboarding, approval, suspension and delisting processes.
• Drive quality improvement initiatives with suppliers, reducing defects, intake rejections and customer complaints.
• Support the delivery of sustainability and carbon reduction plans with strategic suppliers.
• Manage technical packaging requirements, ensuring packaging solutions meet quality, food safety and sustainability standards.
• Lead technical input into new product implementation, product trials and supplier‑led innovation projects.
• Support Sourcing, Quality and Technical teams with supplier approval decisions, varietal selection and seasonal sourcing strategies.
• Respond to technical customer queries and support investigations relating to product quality and supplier performance.
• Maintain supplier certifications, technical documentation and compliance records.
• Work cross‑functionally to improve supplier performance, strengthen OTIF results and enhance customer satisfaction.

Required Skills:

• Strong knowledge of BRCGS standards, HACCP principles, food safety systems, UK food standards and certification schemes.
• Skilled in supplier auditing, technical assessments and corrective action management.
• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship‑building skills.
• Strong analytical skills with confidence interpreting quality and supplier performance data.
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to balance challenge and support when managing supplier relationships.
• Comfortable working collaboratively across multiple teams and stakeholders.

Required Experience:

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Safety, Agriculture or a related discipline.
• Experience within the fresh produce sector.
• 2–4+ years' experience in a Technical, Supplier Technical, Technologist or Supplier Quality role, ideally with supplier‑facing responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of fresh produce supply chains and grower relationships.
• Experience conducting supplier audits and managing supplier compliance programmes.
• Knowledge of auditing standards such as Red Tractor, GlobalG.A.P., LEAF, Farm to Fork, Select Grower or equivalent schemes.
• Expertise or strong technical knowledge in at least one fruit or vegetable category.
• Experience managing supplier performance and delivering quality improvement initiatives.
• Experience supporting new product implementation, product trials or NPD projects.

Mindset & Behaviours:

• Passionate about food quality, sustainability and the Oddbox mission.
• Determined to deliver results and continuously improve supplier performance.
• Professional, constructive and solutions‑oriented in all supplier interactions.
• Proactive in identifying risks and recommending improvements.
• Confident decision‑maker who uses data and evidence to guide action.
• Flexible, adaptable and willing to embrace new ideas and ways of working.
• Comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, evolving environment.
• Collaborative and communicative, building strong relationships across Sourcing, Quality, Operations and supplier partners.

Nice to Have:

• Lead Auditor qualification or formal auditing certification.
• Commercial understanding of supplier management and sourcing decisions.
• Experience supporting sustainability, ethical sourcing or carbon reduction initiatives.
• Experience working with supplier performance management systems or quality management software.

Why Join Us:

• Be part of a purpose‑driven business tackling food waste and building a more sustainable food system.
• Play a key role in shaping the quality, safety and sustainability of the products our customers receive every week.
• Work across a wide range of products, suppliers and categories in a fast‑growing food business.
• Join a collaborative team that values ideas, ownership and continuous improvement.
• Help bring innovative, mission‑led products to life while protecting the quality and integrity of the Oddbox brand.

Our Benefits Include:

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays + 4 "not‑sick" days + 2 volunteering days
• £300 personal development budget + access to wider learning opportunities
• Wellbeing support, including EAP and online GP
• Company bonus scheme
• Discounts on Oddbox products
• Additional perks and savings through Perkbox

How To Apply:

If you're passionate about food quality and sustainability we'd love to hear from you. Please send your CV now for immediate consideration. Apply today and help us make every box count.