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 40000 - 50000 £ 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 supplier management and auditing programmes. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the agri-food supply chain 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
✨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 Vitacress Limited.
✨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 Vitacress Limited!
✨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 Vitacress Limited, 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 Vitacress Limited, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Supplier Technical Manager in Andover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Vitacress Limited, 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 Vitacress Limited.
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 Vitacress Limited. 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 Vitacress Limited. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vitacress Limited
✨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 Vitacress Limited’s mission.
