Supplier Technical Manager

The Supplier Technical Manager is responsible for the development and maintenance of all processes and procedures in relation to the technical approval and monitoring of suppliers and raw materials (fresh produce, ingredients, and packaging).

• Management of supplier approval and onboarding process for new raw materials and suppliers
• Review and maintenance of due diligence documentation in line with industry and customer requirements i.e. specifications, quality attribute sheets, certifications.
• Tracking supplier performance to enable data driven decision making when buying
• Maintaining the approved supplier list
• Creating and approving raw material specifications
• Ensuring surveillance schedules are maintained e.g. raw material testing, supplier traceability exercises
• Conducting horizon scanning to assess potential risks within the supply base
• Ensuring raw material and vulnerability risk assessments are conducted, maintained and updated in response to new approvals or risks
• Ensuring non-conforming material from suppliers is recorded, communicated, investigated and timely corrective action agreed.
• Work in close collaboration with procurement and replenishment teams on sup-ply base improvement projects and risk mitigation initiatives
• Work in close collaboration with the NPD team on the successful launch of new products ensuring raw material and supplier information on finished product specifications is accurate and up to date
• Provide support to the goods in team (review of on-hold deliveries, assistance in release/rejection process)
• Update and maintain customer specific supplier monitoring platforms e.g. authenticate, SSFP
• Collate packaging data and submit packaging information as required e.g. through customer nominated platforms, compliance with EPR legislation.
• Liaise with external organizations and suppliers on pesticide approval platforms e.g. Audax, Food Experts
• Timely closure of queries or requests made by internal stakeholders and external customers.
• Conduct supplier visits and audits as appropriate documenting findings, evidence and actions
• Conduct data analysis and generate KPI reports
• Review finished product artwork for NPD/EPD products
• Integral member of internal auditing team
• Support technical team with preparation and delivery of external audits and customer visits
• Any other reasonable duties to support the technical team and meet the needs of the business

• Technical knowledge and experience gained from working in the food industry, preferably supplier facing with a focus on ingredients (e.g. dried/tinned/frozen goods) and packaging supplier approval
• Knowledge and experience of industry food safety standards i.e., BRC, GGAP, Red Tractor
• Knowledge and experience of the major UK retailers and the technical standards required by them
• Good understanding of food safety risks across a broad range of food types and supply chains
• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship building skills
• Able to work in a fast paced and agile environment
• Methodical in approach, organised, with strong attention to detail
• Proactive in nature with problem solving skills
• Flexible and collaborative
• Excellent verbal and written English
• Computer Literate
• Full UK Driving License with ability to travel if required

• Auditing qualification with auditing experience