At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage ambient product categories, ensuring top-notch quality and supplier performance.
- Company: Join Waitrose, a leader in food quality and safety with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a chance to travel to suppliers as needed.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food quality while shaping strategy in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in food science or equivalent experience, plus 5 years in the food industry.
The predicted salary is between 57000 - 84600 £ per year.
About the role
Impact the Future of Food Quality: Lead the charge in managing our ambient product categories and elevating supplier performance. Your expertise will be critical in upholding the renowned Waitrose standards for quality, safety, legality, and integrity. While you'll be the anchor within the Quality, Technical, and Regulatory team, you'll thrive in a collaborative environment, driving results and shaping strategy alongside our broader Own Brand and Commercial Teams.
Salary - £57,000- £84,600 per annum based on skills and experience
Contract type - This is a secondment / fixed term position until March 2027
Working pattern/flexible working - 35 hours per week. The Partnership has adopted a hybrid working approach, meaning you'll be able to work a mixture between the office and home based upon your personal needs whilst balancing the needs of the business.
Location - Bracknell Head Office with an expectation to travel to suppliers as required and up to 3 days in the office, however flexibility will be required.
The successful candidate for this role will be looking after the following areas:
- Sweet and Savoury Biscuits
- Homebaking
- Canned and packaged
Key responsibilities:
- Manage product and supplier performance in order to ensure compliance to Waitrose quality, safety, legality and integrity and all relevant Brand standards for categories of higher complexity or size to reflect the level of experience of the Technical Manager.
- Deliver the Own Brand Product Plan for the category by supporting the technical elements of all approved projects, and project managing those assigned to technical.
- You will operate in a collaborative matrix way of working across Quality & Technical, Regulatory, Policy & Compliance, Product Innovation, CPG Trading, Marketing, Customer Services, Retail and Ethics & Sustainability to deliver shared KPIs.
Essential skills/experience you'll need:
- Degree in food science (or similar) or equivalent experience in Technical within the Food & Grocery industry
- HACCP training (Level 3), Food Safety training (Level 3) ideally Lead Assessor
- At least 5 years recent Technical experience within the food or non food industry
- Supplier management and technical development
- Passion for product and quality
- Specialist training e.g. allergens, microbiology, specification management and product labelling legal requirements
Technical Manager in Bracknell employer: Waitrose & Partners
At Waitrose, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work culture that empowers our employees to drive quality and innovation in the food industry. With a competitive salary range and a flexible hybrid working model based in Bracknell, we provide ample opportunities for professional growth and development, ensuring that our team members can thrive while upholding our renowned standards of quality and integrity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Manager in Bracknell
✨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 Waitrose & Partners.
✨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 Waitrose & Partners!
✨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 Waitrose & Partners, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
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We think you need these skills to ace Technical Manager in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Waitrose & Partners, 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 Waitrose & Partners.
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 Waitrose & Partners. 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 Waitrose & Partners. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Waitrose & Partners
✨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 Waitrose & Partners’s mission.
