At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier approvals and conduct audits across Europe to ensure high standards.
- Company: A rapidly growing business investing in its technical function and people.
- Benefits: Travel opportunities, career growth, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with clear career pathways and international travel.
- Why this job: Influence supplier quality while building long-term partnerships with key manufacturers.
- Qualifications: Experience in supplier approval audits within food manufacturing and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Growth creates opportunity. It also creates risk.
This role helps manage both.
Following significant growth, the technical function has expanded and created a brand-new Supplier Approval Manager position to strengthen one of the most important parts of the business.
This isn't a replacement.
It's an investment.
Your focus will be ensuring suppliers across the UK and Europe meet the standards expected by both the business and some of the UK's most demanding retailers.
You'll conduct supplier approval audits, support new supplier onboarding, manage corrective actions and work closely with suppliers to help them continually improve rather than simply identifying non-conformances.
Travel is a genuine part of the role.
You'll spend around 30 to 35 weeks each year visiting suppliers across Europe, particularly Spain, Italy and Germany, helping prepare sites for customer approval and building long-term partnerships with key manufacturers.
When you're not travelling, you'll split your time between home and the Northwest office.
Alongside supplier approval, you'll oversee the raw material approval process through a direct report, ensuring documentation, approvals and technical compliance continue to run smoothly while allowing you to focus on the bigger picture.
This is a business that's investing heavily in its technical function, facilities and future growth.
New leadership has already restructured the department, creating clearer career pathways and additional opportunities as the business continues to expand.
Whether your ambition is to move into Technical Account Management, broader technical leadership or specialist supplier quality, you'll be joining a business that actively develops its people rather than expecting them to stand still.
To be successful you'll already have experience conducting supplier approval audits within food manufacturing and be comfortable working with retailer standards.
More than anything, they're looking for someone who enjoys building relationships, is confident representing the business with suppliers across Europe, and takes pride in raising standards through collaboration rather than simply auditing against a checklist.
If you're looking for a role where you'll genuinely influence supplier quality, enjoy a varied workload, travel internationally and join a business investing heavily in both its people and its future, I'd be happy to tell you more in complete confidence.
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Supplier Approval Manager in Manchester employer: The Sterling Choice
The Sterling Choice offers a dynamic work environment where innovation meets stability, making it an excellent employer for those seeking a fulfilling career in food manufacturing. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, team members benefit from ongoing training and support, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence. Located in Andover, the company provides a unique opportunity to contribute to a vital industry while enjoying the perks of a permanent night shift schedule that promotes work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supplier Approval Manager in Manchester
✨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 The Sterling Choice.
✨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 The Sterling Choice!
✨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 The Sterling Choice, 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 The Sterling Choice, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Supplier Approval Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at The Sterling Choice, 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 The Sterling Choice.
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 The Sterling Choice. 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 The Sterling Choice. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Sterling Choice
✨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 The Sterling Choice’s mission.
