Supplier and Raw Materials Technologist

Valeo Foods; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Death in service

Cycle to work scheme

Canteen

And plenty more!!

Job summary

Valeo Foods UK is seeking a Supplier & Raw Materials Technologist to join our York site, with hybrid working and three days on local site per week. You’ll ensure raw materials meet rigorous quality, safety and ethical standards, collaborating with Procurement, Technical and Quality teams across the business.

You’ll build strong supplier relationships, lead risk assessments, and drive continuous improvement in supplier performance while supporting audits and certifications.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in the food industry or a similar environment.
• HACCP Level 3 qualification, plus hands-on experience with BRC compliance and audits.
• Proven experience conducting supplier audits, risk assessments, and driving supplier performance.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to build trust and influence both internally and externally.
• A proactive, practical, and solution-driven mindset, with the confidence to tackle supplier quality issues and deliver continuous improvement.
• A degree (or equivalent) in Food Science or a related discipline would be desirable.
• A full driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Build strong, proactive relationships with suppliers.
• Lead ingredient and raw material risk assessments to meet standards and third‑party certification requirements.
• Oversee raw material traceability and mass balance across the supply base.
• Ensure supplier compliance with HACCP, BRC, and other food safety standards.
• Carry out supplier audits in line with the risk-based audit schedule.
• Review, maintain, and improve raw material specifications to meet customer and industry requirements.
• Support site Technical and Quality teams with supplier-related issues, non-conformances, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Work with HR to identify and manage risks related to supplier ethical compliance

Skills

Supplier management

Raw materials

Food safety

Ethical sourcing

Quality assurance

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Food Science or related field

Job description

At Valeo Foods UK we bring together a family of much-loved UK food brands supported by the scale and ambition of a global investment partner. From Kettle’s bold crunch to Rowse’s natural sweetness, through to Matthew Walker and Barratt Sweets, our portfolio blends heritage, craft and category-leading innovation.

Alongside our branded portfolio, we are also one of the UK’s largest suppliers of private label products, partnering with major retailers to deliver quality and category expertise that meets the needs of millions of households every week.

As a business, we’re on a journey of transformation. We’re strengthening our operations, driving quality and investing in our people. It’s an exciting, fast-moving environment where heritage meets new thinking, and where every colleague contributes to shaping the future of food across the UK.

Join us and play your part in building the next chapter of some of Britain’s most loved brands.

Job Description

Supplier and Raw Materials Technologist

York -Hybrid working with 3 days on local site per week

Are you a specialist in supplier management and raw materials? Do you thrive on ensuring the highest standards of food safety, integrity, and ethical compliance? If you’re ready to make a real impact across a dynamic supply chain, we’d love to hear from you.

At Valeo Foods, our sites are passionate about crafting products people love — and that starts with exceptional ingredients. As our Supplier & Raw Materials Technologist, you’ll be at the heart of our supply base, ensuring every raw material meets our rigorous quality, safety, and ethical standards. You’ll collaborate closely with Procurement, Technical, and Quality teams to strengthen supplier performance and drive continuous improvement across the business.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Build strong, proactive relationships with suppliers.
• Lead ingredient and raw material risk assessments to meet Valeo Foods’ standards, customer expectations, and third‑party certification requirements.

Ethical & Responsible Sourcing

• Ensure suppliers comply with Valeo Foods’ Ethical Framework (including SEDEX).
• Assess ethical risks through audits, documentation reviews, and on‑site visits.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Procurement, NPD, Technical, and Quality teams on all supplier and raw material matters.
• Support customer technical teams, providing confidence in our supply chain controls and participating in customer visits and audits.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and continuously update the approved supplier list.
• Conduct raw material risk assessments and manage testing schedules, including Free From campaigns.
• Oversee raw material traceability and mass balance across the supply base.
• Ensure supplier compliance with HACCP, BRC, and other relevant food safety standards.
• Carry out supplier audits in line with the risk‑based audit schedule.
• Review, maintain, and improve raw material specifications to meet customer and industry requirements.
• Support site Technical and Quality teams with supplier‑related issues, non‑conformances, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Work with HR to identify and manage risks related to supplier ethical compliance

Qualifications

What You’ll Bring:

We’re looking for someone who combines technical expertise with strong relationship‑building skills and a meticulous approach to quality. To thrive in this role, you’ll bring:

• Demonstrable experiencein the food industry or a similar environment, ideally with a strong focus on supplier management
• HACCP Level 3 qualification, plus hands‑on experience with BRC compliance and audits
• Proven experience conducting supplier audits, risk assessments, and driving supplier performance
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to build trust and influence both internally and externally
• A proactive, practical, and solution‑driven mindset, with the confidence to tackle supplier quality issues and deliver continuous improvement
• A degree (or equivalent) in Food Science or a related discipline would be desirable
• A full driving licence

Additional Information

What we offer you in return:

• Death in service
• Cycle to work scheme
• Canteen
• And plenty more!!