At a Glance
- Tasks: Support farms and suppliers in food safety, quality, and compliance.
- Company: Vitacress Salads, a leader in fresh produce with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, incentive scheme, pension, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration across teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food safety and sustainability in the agri-food supply chain.
- Qualifications: Experience in supplier assurance and a degree in Food Science or Agri-Food.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Vitacress Salads St Mary Bourne, Lower Link Farm, Lower Link, Andover, Hampshire, United Kingdom
Job opportunity: Supplier Technical Manager
Working pattern: 0800 – 1630
Location: St Mary Bourne (nr Andover) with travel to our farms and suppliers
Salary: competitive with eligibility for incentive scheme, company pension and private medical insurance
In this role…
- Support and advise our farms and suppliers in meeting requirements on food safety and due diligence with the sharing of best practice
- Act as the key technical link between growers, suppliers, factory teams and customers
- Manage supplier risk, proactively identifying and resolving crop quality, pest, disease and food safety challenges
- Lead supplier visit and auditing programmes covering crop quality, ethical and food safety topics with collaborative agreement with procurement based on risk assessment
- Influence supplier performance through collaboration with procurement, agronomy, technical and commercial teams
- Drive improvements in quality, shelf life, sustainability and overall supply chain capability
You’ll do this for us…
- Manage supplier due diligence, onboarding and compliance documentation across raw materials and ingredients
- Lead supplier audit and visit programmes covering crop quality, food safety and ethical standards
- Monitor microbiological and pesticide residue testing programmes and drive corrective actions where needed
- Review crop risk, pre-harvest assessments and HACCP compliance across the supply base
- Produce weekly crop quality reports and track supplier performance through KPIs and end-of-season reviews
- Support customer visits, internal teams and investigations while building strong supplier relationships and sharing best practice
- Drive improvements in quality, shelf life, sustainability and supplier capability
- Manage web-based platforms such as Food Experts and Land App, plus any relevant customer portals
- Actively participate in weekly farm and supplier meetings and write crop reports for customers
You can do this if you have…
- Proven experience in supplier assurance, auditing, quality and compliance within fresh produce or agri-food supply chains
- Strong knowledge of BRCGS, Red Tractor, Global GAP, LEAF and ethical compliance standards
- Solid understanding of farm risk assessments and ideally HACCP Level 3 certification
- Excellent communication and influencing skills with a proactive, customer-focused mindset
- Commercial awareness and the ability to drive continuous improvement across suppliers
- A degree in Food Science, Agri-Food or other relevant area
- A qualification in BASIS and/or FACTS would be advantageous
Supplier Technical Manager in Andover employer: Vitacress Limited
Vitacress Salads is an exceptional employer located in the picturesque St Mary Bourne, offering a collaborative work culture that prioritises food safety and sustainability. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, an incentive scheme, and comprehensive health coverage, alongside opportunities for professional growth through hands-on experience with suppliers and farms. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the agri-food sector while enjoying the support of a dedicated team committed to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supplier Technical Manager in Andover
✨Connect with Local Farmers and Co-ops
Don't underestimate the power of local connections in agriculture. Get involved in local farmers' markets or agricultural co-ops. These are great places to meet potential employers and get the inside scoop on job openings before they're even advertised.
✨Get Involved in Agricultural Events
Keep an eye out for agricultural fairs, conferences, and workshops in your area. These events are golden opportunities to network with industry professionals and showcase your passion. You might even stumble across job boards or companies actively looking to hire!
✨Volunteer for Relevant Experience
Consider volunteering with organisations focused on agriculture, sustainability, or community gardening. This not only boosts your CV but also expands your network. You never know who might be watching your hard work and dedication!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Listings at Industry-Specific Websites
Be sure to check out agriculture-focused job boards and websites regularly. Companies like Vitacress Limited often post opportunities on their own sites before anywhere else, so don’t miss out! Apply directly through us to increase your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Supplier Technical Manager in Andover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in agriculture, it's crucial to highlight any hands-on experience you have in farming, crop management, or sustainable practices. We want to see how your background aligns with the role you're after, so be specific about the responsibilities you've had and any tools or techniques you've used.
Certifications Matter:In agriculture, relevant certifications can really give your application a boost. If you have any qualifications related to agricultural practices, pest management, or environmental regulations, make sure to mention them! They're great indicators of your commitment and expertise in the field.
Tailor Your CV to the Agriculture Sector:Your CV should reflect your passion for agriculture. Structure it to emphasise your field experience and any relevant projects you've been involved in. Don't forget to highlight your soft skills, like teamwork and communication, which are essential in this sector.
Passion is Key in Your Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time position, we want to feel your enthusiasm for agriculture in your cover letter. Share why you're drawn to this industry and mention any long-term goals you have that align with what Vitacress Limited does. This can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vitacress Limited
✨Get Familiar with Agricultural Technologies
Make sure you're up to speed with the latest agricultural technologies and tools that are commonly used in the field. Whether it’s precision farming tools or crop management software, being able to discuss these effectively during your interview with Vitacress Limited will show that you're technically savvy and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Practical Experience
Since agriculture is a hands-on industry, be prepared to share any practical experiences you've had. This could be through internships, volunteer work, or even personal projects. Discussing specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them can really impress the interviewers, especially in a full-time role at Vitacress Limited.
✨Understand the Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is a hot topic in agriculture right now, so it's important to understand current practices and regulations in the industry. Familiarise yourself with concepts like crop rotation, organic farming, and environmental impact. Having informed opinions on these topics can set you apart from other candidates during your interview.
✨Practice Common Industry Scenarios
Expect to tackle a few scenario-based questions that mimic real-life challenges in agriculture. For instance, you might be asked how you would handle a pest infestation or manage resources during a drought. Practising these scenarios will help you respond confidently and showcase your problem-solving skills during the interview with Vitacress Limited.
