Senior Food Technologist

dnata; Windsor; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in food solutions is seeking a Senior Food Technologist to oversee technical activities and ensure high standards of food safety and quality. The role involves managing supplier relationships, conducting audits, and mentoring junior staff, with opportunities for travel within the UK and internationally.

Qualifications

• Experience in a supervisory technical role in the travel sector.
• Knowledge of GFSI standards, HACCP/TACCP/VACCP, and labelling legislation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee factory trials and first production runs.
• Manage supplier base and conduct risk assessments.
• Drive improvements to the Quality Management System.

Skills

Communication

Organizational Skills

Attention to Detail

Multitasking

Education

Degree in Food Science/Technology

Audit Lead Qualification

Job description

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We’re En Route. We’re a welcoming bunch, with a down-to-earth outlook that helps build lasting relationships with customers and colleagues alike.

As global specialists in passenger solutions, supply chain services and sourcing for airlines and airline caterers, we operate globally as part of dnata, one of the world’s largest air services providers.

En Route’s expertise is one of the many reasons why we’ve enjoyed more than 20 years as a global food solutions partner, with offices in the UK, USA, Australia and UAE.

Are you ready to become part of our story?

The Senior Food Technologist will provide support to category technologists and manage critical technical activities across projects. Responsibilities include overseeing factory trials, first productions, audits, complaint management, and artwork compliance.

You will also manage and approve our supplier base, ensuring specifications are accurate and up-to-date. Investigating non-conformances and collaborating as part of the food safety team to improve the quality management system across regions are also key aspects.

Reporting to the Head of Technical, you will work closely with procurement, NPD, and operations/sales teams globally. You will mentor junior team members, supporting their growth and aligning their work with business goals. Your expertise will be crucial in maintaining high standards of food safety and quality.

Key Responsibilities

1. Drive improvements to the Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring consistency in food safety and quality standards worldwide.
2. Manage the supplier base, conducting due diligence and overseeing approval and risk assessments, collaborating with stakeholders to meet requirements.
3. Provide technical support in managing factory trials, first production runs, and audits.
4. Create and publish product technical specifications for global projects, updating the technical specification portal for customer access.
5. Support investigation of non-conformances, ensuring timely responses and effective corrective actions.
6. Coordinate surveillance programs, conducting routine checks based on risk ratings.
7. Develop quality attribute sheets for all ER-branded products and high-volume lines in collaboration with suppliers.
8. Analyze complaints and supplier performance trends for the team.
9. Participate actively in the food safety team.
10. Travel within the UK and internationally for site visits and audits (Essential).
11. Ensure packaging complies with labelling legislation across relevant regions (EU/UK, US, AUS), maintaining artwork documentation and approvals.
12. Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements include a degree in food science/technology or related field, audit lead qualification (desirable), and experience in the travel sector in a supervisory technical role. People management experience is also desirable. Knowledge of GFSI standards, HACCP/TACCP/VACCP, and labelling legislation is essential. Excellent communication, IT, organizational, and attention to detail skills are required. The ability to prioritize, multitask, work independently, and adapt to a fast-paced environment is critical. A proactive attitude and passion for the role are important.