Supplier Technical Manager

Barfoots of Botley; Chichester; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fresh produce company in Chichester is seeking a Supplier Technical Manager to join their dynamic Technical Team. This role requires strong communication skills and experience in the food industry, particularly with a focus on suppliers. Ideal candidates will have conversational Spanish, technical degrees, and a commitment to sustainability. Regular travel required for supplier audits and visits. Competitive benefits and development opportunities provided.

Benefits

Company pension scheme

24 / 7 Online GP access

Life Assurance

Employee Assistance Program

Development opportunities

Free onsite parking

Qualifications

• Proven technical experience in the fresh produce industry.
• Audit or lead auditor experience preferred.
• Understanding of microbiological and pesticides.

Responsibilities

• Manage technical integrity of supplier approval systems.
• Conduct supplier visits and audits both in the UK and overseas.
• Support suppliers in meeting food safety requirements.
• Coordinate supplier development projects.

Skills

Conversational Spanish

Excellent communication skills

Effective time management

Understanding of food safety

Good computer knowledge (MS Office)

Education

Technical qualification degree level

MSc / PhD (desirable)

Job description

The Role

A fantastic opportunity for a talented, inspiring professional to join our busy evolving Technical Team as Supplier Technical Manager, with a particular focus on liaising with Peruvian hub. This role requires conversational Spanish language skills and applications are invited from experienced food industry professionals, keen to firmly establish themselves as a pivotal member of our dynamic global Technical Team. With first class organisational and communication skills, candidates will have a proven track record in a similar role or be looking for a step-up opportunity. Candidates will be driven and confident, able to demonstrate strong commitment and work ethic.

Reporting directly to the Head of Supply Development, candidates will have strong communication and interpersonal skills, confident of liaising at all levels both internally and externally. The role will provide support in all aspects of supplier approval, compliance and driving supplier development projects. This fantastic opportunity will require regular travel within the UK and overseas, conducting supplier audits and visits.

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Duties & Responsibilities

• Responsibility and Management of the technical integrity of the supplier approval systems, including compliance with legislation and customer COP’s (e.g., Sedex, Food Experts, Audax, Foods Connected, Green Light Pesticides and Supplier Approval)
• Coordinate collection and approving of supplier due diligence files across the supply base; ensuring that any expiring approvals are highlighted and actioned as appropriate
• Carry out supplier visits and audits e.g., Select Farm and Waitrose Farm Assessments, in both the UK and overseas – with support and guidance from the senior technical team
• Support our suppliers in meeting our requirements in relation to food safety and human rights
• Support the customer facing technical teams with supplier approval, sourcing developments, varietal strategy and preparing customer visits
• Coordinate and drive supplier development or improvement projects where required, including the implementation of LEAF across the supply base
• Provide support to Head of Supply Development in delivery of quality improvement plans with Barfoots strategic suppliers

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Spanish language skills to conversational level
• Technical qualification degree level essential, MSc / PhD desirable
• Previous Technical experience in the fresh produce industry
• BASIS certificate in crop protection (desirable)
• FACTS qualification (desirable)

Excellent communication skills to liaise with all stakeholders – growers, internal, auditing bodies, customers

Effective time manager with ability to multitask and meet deadlines

Understanding of food safety and quality systems

Food Safety intermediate level

Microbiological and pesticides understanding

Good computer knowledge especially MS Office package

Audit / lead auditor experience

Benefits

• Why Work for Barfoots?
• Investors In People Silver Award status.
• Company pension scheme
• 24 / 7 Online GP access
• Life Assurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Benefits Platform
• Development opportunities
• Discounted leisure membership
• Discounted vegetable box scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free onsite parking
• Approved training centre for Highfield qualifications
• Rapidly growing company
• Committed to Sustainability