Senior Quality & Technical Manager (Maternity Cover) in London

CONTRACT TYPE: 15 MONTHS FIXED TERM CONTRACT (MATERNITY COVER)

REPORTING TO: OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

LOCATION: LONDON

Vita Coco, the pioneer in coconut water and the #1 selling coconut water in the UK and US, is a passionate, fun-loving brand in one of the world’s fastest-growing categories. We’re now looking for a charismatic, ambitious, and results orientated Senior Quality & Technical Manager for EMEA to be part of the operations.

The Senior Technical and Quality Manager will lead quality, technical and regulatory work across the UK, EU and Middle East. Working closely with global colleagues in the US and Singapore, contract manufacturers, suppliers, and key customers, you will act as the regional quality lead, safeguarding brand integrity and supporting innovation and growth across EMEA.

• Take ownership of QA, technical and regulatory activities across EMEA.
• Shape and deliver the regional quality plan in line with global standards.
• Spot risks early across the product lifecycle and put practical solutions in place.
• Lead continuous improvement across product quality, packaging and supply chain controls.
• Step in when needed to manage incident withdrawals/recalls or regulatory inspections.
• Manage and support a Quality Technologist.

• Ensure full compliance with UK, EU and Middle East regulatory requirements.
• Manage product certifications including Organic, Vegan, BRC A&B, EQM and relevant regulatory submissions.
• Oversee label compliance across EMEA markets, ensuring accuracy and regulatory alignment.
• Maintain strong working relationships with regulatory authorities and certification bodies.
• Provide regulatory guidance to commercial and innovation teams.

• Own quality relationships with contract manufacturers and co-packers.
• Oversee quality standards at manufacturing sites and warehouses.
• Carry out supplier and co-manufacturer audits.
• Track performance and dive corrective and preventative actions where needed.

• Provide technical leadership on new product development in the region.
• Support feasibility, validation and regulatory approval during development.
• Work closely with R&D, Operations and Commercial teams to build quality in from day one.
• Lead quality oversight of Private Label projects from concept to launch.

• Act as the senior technical contact for key customers.
• Provide specifications, technical documentation and regulatory assurances.
• Oversee consumer complaints, ensuring strong root cause analysis and preventative action.
• Support customer audits and retailer technical reviews.

• Lead internal quality audits.
• Maintain clear, effective documentation and reporting systems.
• Ensure robust traceability, complaint handling and CAPA processes.
• Champion a culture where quality is everyone’s responsibility.

The job description is not exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake other duties in line with their ability and the changing needs of the business.

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Engineering, Microbiology or related technical discipline.
• 5–8+ years’ experience in quality management within the food or beverage industry.
• Strong working knowledge of EMEA food regulatory frameworks.
• Experience managing contract manufacturers and supplier audits.
• Experience with Tetra Pak and aseptic filling systems is highly desirable.
• Working knowledge of HACCP, ISO standards and quality management systems.
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional stakeholders and international teams.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, SAP and LIMS systems.
• Experience with third party auditors (FSSC, BRC a plus).
• Ability to work with and in different cultures and has proven very strong intercultural skills in the past.
• Demonstrated ability to translate strategic vision into an executable plan and then get the plan done.
• Good organizational, documentation and strong project management skills.
• Advanced statistical analysis skills.
• Entrepreneurial with a self-starter mentality; creates their own urgency.
• Available to work extended hours to meet critical deadlines.
• Available for international and domestic travel.

• 30 days holiday and Birthday off!
• 5 Volunteer days.
• Competitive pension 8% ER / 10% EE.
• 3 days a week in the office.
• Flexible hours + early Friday finish.
• Fresh fruit, snacks and office lunch provided.
• Free Vita Coco Products.
• Vitality Private Healthcare.
• ClassPass credits.
• Dog friendly office.

The Vita Coco Company is committed to the principles of equal employment. We believe in building a diverse and inclusive culture and a positive employee experience and are dedicated to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, gender or gender reassignment, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, marital/civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. We welcome applications from a diverse range of individuals and will consider any reasonable adjustments to enable candidates to perform as well as possible during the recruitment process.