Food Technical Manager

Supplier Compliance Manager Coventry | £ Competitive + Excellent Benefits | Hybrid Working | UK & European Travel Are you an experienced food technical professional who enjoys working with suppliers, solving problems and building relationships – rather than simply policing compliance? This is an exciting opportunity to join an established, successful food business supplying major UK retailers, taking responsibility for the technical compliance and performance of a network of manufacturing partners across the UK and Europe. We're looking for someone with strong food manufacturing and auditing knowledge, but just as importantly, someone who can communicate, influence and build trusted relationships with suppliers, retailers, auditors and senior stakeholders. This isn't a traditional site-based Technical Manager position. You'll work across a varied supplier base, visiting manufacturing sites, managing audits and corrective actions, supporting retailer requirements and helping suppliers continuously improve. The Role As Supplier Compliance Manager, you'll act as a key technical link between the business, its manufacturing partners and customers. Your responsibilities will include: Managing supplier approval, compliance and ongoing technical performance Conducting supplier and manufacturing site audits across the UK and Europe Managing audit findings and corrective actions through to successful closure Completing supplier risk assessments and due diligence Supporting retailer audits, technical visits and pre-production visits Ensuring suppliers meet retailer Codes of Practice and food safety requirements Managing technical issues collaboratively with suppliers and customers Supporting SEDEX, ethical compliance and supplier approval requirements Monitoring food safety, authenticity, food fraud and emerging technical risks Building strong relationships with manufacturing Technical and Factory Managers Working directly with retailer technical teams and external auditors Supporting specifications, pack copy and wider technical projects Driving continuous improvement across the supplier base What We're Looking For You'll need a solid background within food manufacturing, technical, supplier assurance or food safety, with practical experience of audits and compliance. However, personality and communication skills are every bit as important. We're looking for someone who can walk into a manufacturing site, establish credibility and build relationships – but who is equally comfortable having challenging conversations when standards aren't being met. You'll ideally bring: Experience within food manufacturing or a food technical environment Strong auditing and food safety knowledge Experience managing non-conformances and corrective actions Supplier approval, supplier assurance or supplier management experience Exposure to major UK retailer standards and Codes of Practice Confidence dealing with customers, suppliers and senior technical stakeholders BRCGS/HACCP knowledge Strong influencing, communication and relationship-building skills A pragmatic, collaborative approach to compliance Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel within the UK and Europe Experience within bakery or ambient food manufacturing would be particularly advantageous, although we're also interested in strong technical professionals from other food categories who can demonstrate transferable supplier, audit and retailer-facing experience. Why Join? This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to broaden their career beyond a single manufacturing site. You'll have exposure to major UK retailers and an international manufacturing base, with the opportunity to travel, build relationships and genuinely influence supplier performance. You'll also be joining a close-knit business with a strong people-focused culture, where employees are valued and given the autonomy and support to develop. The package includes: £ Competitive basic salary Hybrid working – typically 3 days Coventry / 2 days home UK & European travel Excellent company benefits Ongoing development and progression Annual salary reviews If you're an experienced food technical professional who combines strong technical knowledge with the ability to influence people and build relationships, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today for a confidential conversation. TPBN1_UKTJ