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- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and ensure food safety and quality standards.
- Company: Valeo Snackfoods is a leading UK grocery brand with a diverse portfolio.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, matched pension, discounts, and more perks.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and ethical sourcing.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field; 5 years FMCG experience required.
- Other info: Opportunity to travel across various sites and engage in exciting projects.
Supplier and Raw Materials Technologist
Ferrybridge Rd, Pontefract WF8, UK
Full-time
Company Description
Valeo Snackfoods is the combination of Kettle Foods, Tangerine, Big Bear and It’s All Good and is one of the UK’s top 100 grocery brands. It is headquartered in Norwich and Pontefract and employs over 2,000 people. Over the past few years, we have strengthened our portfolio to include the Metcalfe’s popcorn brand and Yellow Chips in Emmeloord, Netherlands. The business in the UK and Europe generates revenues of over £280 million. Our brands include KETTLE® Chips, Metcalfe’s® popcorn, Foxes, Poppets, Barratt (Wham!, Fruit Salads, Black Jacks, Refreshers, Sherbet fountain, Dip Dab).
Job Description
Build, develop and maintain effective relationships to ensure effective management of our suppliers and our raw materials. Working in partnership with the procurement team through a risk and performance based approach to manage food safety, quality, food fraud and ethical risks in our supply base. Working collaboratively across the business leading and driving continuous improvement in our supply base and raw materials.
Key Accountabilities
- Risk Management and Supplier Assessment:
- Build strong relationships with suppliers and ensure effective management of our supply base to meet Valeo Foods, customer and third party standards
- Support to ensure where appropriate all supply chains are mapped out and we have visibility of risks
- Support the maintenance of the VACCP for our suppliers and raw materials
- Ensure suppliers are compliant with the ETI base code and on Sedex
- Work with HR to assess supplier Ethical SAQ’s
- Evaluate ethical risks during audits and visits
- Support NPD activity and requests for samples
- Support the site technical team on raw material and supplier related quality issues
- Support the team with quality issues related to our raw materials
- Work closely with the Procurement team to support on negotiations and cost saving opportunities
- Build effective relationships with customer technical teams to share expertise and knowledge providing confidence in our controls
- Ensure we meet customer policies and COP’s
- Support on customer visits and meetings to provide knowledge and expertise
- Support the site team during customer and BRC audits
Key Tasks
- Maintain approved supplier list
- Work cross functionally to help establish testing/surveillance requirements
- Identifies the risk based and customer compliance intake checks for the sites
- Support on traceability and mass balance in the supply base
- Maintain the VACCP studies
- Maintain supplier Sedex compliance and work with HR to establish any risks
- Conduct supplier risk assessments and scorecards
- Conduct supplier audits in line with the risk based audit schedule
- Address any supplier quality issues and non-conformances
- Highlight any new heightened risk suppliers to the Supplier and Raw Materials Technical Manager
Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent in Food Science or related discipline and/or experience
- Min 5 years’ experience in FMCG or similar environment
- HACCP Level 3 qualification
- Auditing experience and BRC Compliance and audits aware
- Experience in supplier management
- Good understanding of the manufacturing process
- Ability to travel across our sites (inc Norwich, Pontefract, Gateahead)
Key Attributes
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Great at building relationships internally and externally
- Diligent and attention to detail
- Problem solving skills
- A drive to succeed and “hands on” approach
- Microsoft Computer literate
Additional Information
What we offer you in return: Up to ÂŁ35,000, Matched pension scheme, Death in service, Cycle to work scheme, Canteen, Retailer discount platform, Staff discount, and plenty more.
Technologist employer: Valeo Foods UK
Contact Detail:
Valeo Foods UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Technologist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Valeo Snackfoods' brands and their values. Understanding the company's mission and how they operate will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food science and FMCG sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with people who can provide insights about the role and potentially refer you internally.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your knowledge of HACCP and BRC compliance, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've applied these standards in past experiences will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in supplier management and risk assessment. Think of concrete examples where you've successfully navigated challenges in these areas, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills and hands-on approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Technologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in supplier management, food safety, and quality assurance. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you meet the qualifications.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention specific experiences that align with the key accountabilities listed in the job description, such as risk management and supplier assessment.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your degree in Food Science or related discipline, along with any relevant certifications like HACCP Level 3. Emphasise your auditing experience and familiarity with BRC compliance.
Showcase Soft Skills: In your application, emphasise your communication skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities. These attributes are crucial for building relationships and managing suppliers effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Valeo Foods UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of food safety, quality management, and supplier relationships. Brush up on your knowledge of HACCP and BRC compliance, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in FMCG or similar environments. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed suppliers or resolved quality issues.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
Since the role involves building effective relationships with suppliers and internal teams, think of examples that showcase your communication and interpersonal skills. Be ready to explain how you’ve fostered collaboration in past roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and risk management skills. Prepare scenarios where you had to address supplier non-conformances or ethical risks, and explain your approach and outcomes.
