Supplier Assurance Manager

Fox's Burton's Companies; England; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading FMCG firm in the United Kingdom is seeking a Supplier Assurance Manager to lead quality assurance across raw materials, packaging, and supplies. The role involves managing supplier qualifications, control plans, inspection processes, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. Successful candidates will possess strong relationship-building skills, experience in supplier assurance within FMCG, and a Food Safety Level 3 certification. The position offers the opportunity to drive continuous improvement and collaborate with various teams across the organization.

Benefits

Commitment to inclusivity and diversity

Continuous professional development

Qualifications

• Proven experience in supplier assurance within an FMCG environment.
• Hands-on experience conducting supplier audits and implementing corrective actions.

Responsibilities

• Lead quality assurance across raw materials, packaging, and indirect supplies.
• Manage supplier qualifications, control plans, and testing schedules.
• Conduct inspections of raw materials and packaging at sites.
• Monitor supplier performance through assessments.
• Oversee acceptance checks to ensure compliance.

Skills

Relationship building

Problem-solving

Influencing skills

Presentation skills

Data analysis

Education

Food Safety Level 3

Job description

As Supplier Assurance Manager, you will lead quality assurance across raw materials, packaging, and indirect supplies. You will manage supplier qualifications, control plans, and testing schedules, ensuring compliance with food safety and technical standards. Working cross‑functionally, you will resolve non‑conformities, maintain approved supplier lists, and drive continuous improvement through data analysis and supplier collaboration.

Quality Standards & Specifications

• Develop and issue quality standards for assigned categories, aligned with R&D and Food Safety guidance.
• Ensure specifications are accurate, up‑to‑date, and maintained in FBC systems.
• Define appropriate testing frequencies and methods to uphold quality expectations.

Supplier Qualification & Collaboration

• Support supplier identification, evaluation, and qualification through inspections and sample testing.
• Verify supplier acceptance of specifications and approve vendors based on risk assessments.
• Partner with Procurement to enhance supplier capabilities and drive quality improvement initiatives.
• Support local teams in managing supplier disputes and returns, based on inspection and sampling outcomes.

Inspections & Corrective Actions

• Conduct and support inspections of raw materials and packaging at FBC UK sites and supplier facilities.
• Monitor supplier performance through quantitative and qualitative assessments.
• Lead corrective action plans in response to inspection findings or testing issues.

Food Safety & Regulation

• Collaborate with internal teams to update regulatory standards and sampling plans through risk analysis.
• Ensure Food Safety and R&D requirements are embedded in quality methodologies and specifications.

Acceptance & Compliance

• Oversee acceptance checks, storage conditions, and handling processes to meet Group quality standards.

Core Competencies

• Strong relationship‑building skills across all levels.
• Pragmatic and solutions‑focused approach.
• Excellent influencing and negotiation abilities.
• Highly organised with strong prioritisation capabilities.
• Skilled in creating and delivering impactful presentations.
• Strong IT proficiency, including data analysis and reporting tools.

Qualifications / Required Experience

• Food Safety Level 3, Proven experience in supplier assurance within an FMCG environment.
• Hands‑on experience conducting supplier audits and implementing corrective actions.

FBC UK is the integrated company formed by Burton's Biscuits and Fox's Biscuits. We bake iconic biscuits at eight bakeries across the UK including Isle of Arran, Livingston, Blackpool, Llantarnam, Edinburgh, Kirkham, Batley & Dorset, and our HQ in St Albans. We employ around 4,000 colleagues and are committed to inclusivity, diversity and continuous professional development. FBC UK is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe in nurturing our people's curiosity and natural abilities, providing the means to succeed personally and professionally.