Supplier Technical Manager Sourcing, Technical & Quality · London ·

Oddbox; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Company bonus scheme

Personal development budget

Wellbeing support

Discounts on Oddbox products

Perkbox access

Job summary

Oddbox is looking for an experienced Supplier Technical Manager to join our Technical Team in London or Redditch, with a hybrid pattern and regular collaboration with suppliers. You will improve quality standards across fresh produce, lead supplier audits, and support data-driven sourcing decisions, ensuring OTIF performance and sustainability across the supply base.

This role emphasizes building strong grower relationships, driving corrective actions, and delivering continuous improvements in

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science or related discipline.
• 2–4+ years in Technical/Supplier Technical roles.
• Experience in fresh produce and supplier audits.
• Knowledge of Red Tractor, GlobalG.A.P. and similar schemes.
• Strong data-driven decision making and supplier relationship skills.

Responsibilities

• Monitor supplier performance to guide sourcing decisions.
• Lead supplier audits and approval processes.
• Build relationships with growers and suppliers.
• Drive quality improvements and reduce defects.
• Support sustainability and carbon reduction plans.
• Manage packaging requirements and safety standards.
• Assist with new product trials and supplier-led innovations.
• Respond to technical queries and maintain records.

Skills

BRCGS standards

HACCP principles

Food safety systems

Supplier auditing

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Food Science/Technology

Tools

Quality management software

Auditing software

Job description

Office Base: London or Redditch, with a hybrid working pattern and regular collaboration with suppliers and production partners.

Working Hours: Monday to Friday (9am–6pm), Permanent / Full-time

Please note: We're not able to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

About Oddbox

As much as 2.5 billion tonnes of food are wasted globally every year – which plays a big part in the climate crisis. We're on a mission to change that, rescuing fruit and veg from hard-working growers, alongside plastic-free ingredients and products from brands doing good for the planet.

With fruit, veg and more delivered right to your door, we're working towards a fairer food system – one where growers are supported and paid fairly, where produce doesn't have to look 'perfect' and, most importantly, a food system where we never waste taste. No more unnecessary air miles or plastic – just delicious food that fights waste with every box.

The Role

We're looking for an experienced Supplier Technical Manager to join our Technical Team.

To improve and maintain the quality standards of the fresh produce and products purchased by Oddbox, working closely with our Buying, Sourcing, Quality and Operations teams, you'll build strong relationships with growers and suppliers to drive quality improvements, strengthen supplier performance and support data-driven sourcing decisions.

This role plays a critical part in ensuring a consistently excellent customer experience by improving supplier standards, reducing intake rejections, strengthening OTIF performance and supporting a resilient, sustainable supply base. You'll act as a trusted technical partner to our suppliers, helping them meet Oddbox standards while continuously improving quality, compliance and sustainability across our supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyse product and supplier performance to support data-driven sourcing and buying decisions.

• Investigate and resolve declines in supplier or product performance, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with growers, suppliers and production partners, acting as a trusted technical contact.

• Lead supplier audits, technical assessments and approval processes to ensure compliance with Oddbox standards.

• Manage supplier onboarding, approval, suspension and delisting processes.

• Drive quality improvement initiatives with suppliers, reducing defects, intake rejections and customer complaints.

• Support the delivery of sustainability and carbon reduction plans with strategic suppliers.

• Manage technical packaging requirements, ensuring packaging solutions meet quality, food safety and sustainability standards.

• Lead technical input into new product implementation, product trials and supplier-led innovation projects.

• Support Sourcing, Quality and Technical teams with supplier approval decisions, varietal selection and seasonal sourcing strategies.

• Respond to technical customer queries and support investigations relating to product quality and supplier performance.

• Maintain supplier certifications, technical documentation and compliance records.

• Work cross-functionally to improve supplier performance, strengthen OTIF results and enhance customer satisfaction.

Required Skills

• Strong knowledge of BRCGS standards, HACCP principles, food safety systems, UK food standards and certification schemes.

• Skilled in supplier auditing, technical assessments and corrective action management.

• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.

• Strong analytical skills with confidence interpreting quality and supplier performance data.

• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to balance challenge and support when managing supplier relationships.

• Comfortable working collaboratively across multiple teams and stakeholders.

Required Experience

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Safety, Agriculture or a related discipline.

• Experience within the fresh produce sector.

• 2–4+ years' experience in a Technical, Supplier Technical, Technologist or Supplier Quality role, ideally with supplier-facing responsibilities.

• Strong understanding of fresh produce supply chains and grower relationships.

• Experience conducting supplier audits and managing supplier compliance programmes.

• Knowledge of auditing standards such as Red Tractor, GlobalG.A.P., LEAF, Farm to Fork, Select Grower or equivalent schemes.

• Expertise or strong technical knowledge in at least one fruit or vegetable category.

• Experience managing supplier performance and delivering quality improvement initiatives.

• Experience supporting new product implementation, product trials or NPD projects.

Mindset & Behaviours

• Passionate about food quality, sustainability and the Oddbox mission.

• Determined to deliver results and continuously improve supplier performance.

• Professional, constructive and solutions-oriented in all supplier interactions.

• Proactive in identifying risks and recommending improvements.

• Confident decision-maker who uses data and evidence to guide action.

• Flexible, adaptable and willing to embrace new ideas and ways of working.

• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

• Collaborative and communicative, building strong relationships across Sourcing, Quality, Operations and supplier partners.

Nice to Have

• Lead Auditor qualification or formal auditing certification.

• Commercial understanding of supplier management and sourcing decisions.

• Experience supporting sustainability, ethical sourcing or carbon reduction initiatives.

• Experience working with supplier performance management systems or quality management software.

Why Join Us

Be part of a purpose-driven business tackling food waste and building a more sustainable food system.

Play a key role in shaping the quality, safety and sustainability of the products our customers receive every week.

Work across a wide range of products, suppliers and categories in a fast-growing food business.

Join a collaborative team that values ideas, ownership and continuous improvement.

Help bring innovative, mission-led products to life while protecting the quality and integrity of the Oddbox brand.

Our Benefits Include

25 days' holiday + bank holidays + 4 "not-sick" days + 2 volunteering days

£300 personal development budget + access to wider learning opportunities

Wellbeing support, including EAP and online GP

Company bonus scheme

Discounts on Oddbox products

Additional perks and savings through Perkbox