At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier compliance and build strong relationships with major retailers.
- Company: Established UK food business with a focus on quality and supplier assurance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to influence supplier standards.
- Other info: Regular travel across Europe for supplier audits and relationship management.
- Why this job: Be the key link between suppliers and retailers, making a real impact in the food industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in supplier quality and compliance within the food sector.
The predicted salary is between 35100 - 42900 £ per year.
A new opportunity with an established UK food business, working directly with a number of major national retailers. As part of continued investment in their technical and quality function, they are looking to appoint an experienced supplier assurance and compliance professional to join their team. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a strong background in supplier quality and compliance to take on a role with genuine retailer exposure, real influence over supplier standards and retailer relationships.
About the Role:
This role brings together supplier quality and retailer account management - you'll be the glue between the business, its customers and its suppliers. You'll be responsible for managing supplier compliance across a varied supply base as well as direct relationships, ensuring standards are consistently met across ethical, quality and food safety requirements. You'll represent the business directly with major retail accounts, including regular review meetings, and will be hands-on in auditing, gap analysis and driving improvement plans with suppliers when standards slip.
Key responsibilities include:
- Building strong, trust-based relationships with suppliers, agents and brokers
- Conducting supplier audits (including ethical/social compliance audits) and managing corrective action through to resolution
- Acting as the key point of contact for major retail accounts, representing the business in regular customer meetings
- Balancing commercial priorities with quality and compliance requirements, working closely with commercial and technical teams
- Regular travel, primarily across Europe, to visit and audit suppliers
About You:
- Solid experience in supplier quality, compliance or technical management within the food industry
- Confident conducting and being on the receiving end of audits - comfortable as both auditor and auditee
- A relationship-first approach to supplier management, with the ability to influence without always relying on a hard compliance line
- Comfortable representing a business directly with major retail customers
- Willing and able to travel regularly, including multi-day trips in Europe
Supplier Technical Manager in West Bromwich employer: Zest
Join a leading food manufacturing business in Cambridgeshire as a Site Services Engineer - Projects, where you'll be part of a dynamic team focused on energy efficiency and sustainability. Enjoy flexible working hours, a supportive work culture that values hands-on contributions, and opportunities for professional growth within a strategic sustainability programme. With a clear path to a permanent position, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact while working in a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supplier Technical Manager in West Bromwich
✨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 Zest.
✨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 Zest!
✨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 Zest, 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 Zest, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Supplier Technical Manager in West Bromwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Zest, 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 Zest.
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 Zest. 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 Zest. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest
✨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 Zest’s mission.
