Technical Lead

THIS™; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life assurance

Wellbeing day

Flexible hours

2 days remote per week

Freebie Freezer

Job summary

THIS is a leading UK-based plant-based company driving a new era of meatless eating. We are seeking a Head of Technical to shape the quality and safety agenda across our supply base, production and partners.

Reporting to the COO, you will define the strategic technical roadmap, lead QA and product labelling, and drive continuous improvement through audits, root cause analysis and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in FMCG QA with manufacturing exposure.
• Strong problem solving and numerical aptitude.
• Experience leading QA and quality systems improvements.

Responsibilities

• Define the technical strategy across the brand and products.
• Create and maintain policies to ensure top product quality incl. BRC.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions from issues.
• Support Innovation with QA and labeling for new launches.
• Audit manufacturing partners and ensure compliant processes.
• Oversee creation of product specifications.

Skills

FMCG QA

Root cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership

Problem solving

Tools

BRC standards

Audits & supplier QA

Job description

THIS is a leading, UK-based, plant-based, vegan company on a mission to replace animal meat with products that deliver taste, texture, and satisfaction - without the compromise. We create innovative plant-based food that provides real meatiness for those with a craving, veg with a hit of protein for the traditionalists, and clean-label wholefood for the purists. We're on a mission to make plant-based mainstream, creating a new norm of healthier and more sustainable eating. Better for you. Better for animals. Better for the planet.

We're a bold, challenger brand that puts flavour first and isn't afraid to shake up the category. We combine cutting-edge food science with a confident, irreverent voice, and an unapologetic brand that stands out on shelf, on social and beyond.

At THIS, we're a fast-moving, ambitious team driven by impact. A proud B Corp, we are passionate about everyone being empowered to do their best work and want everyone to love working at THIS. Our ambition is to be recognised for our culture, by being in the Sunday Times top 100 companies to work for in the UK.

We care deeply about what we do and challenge ourselves to change the future of food- one product at a time.

What's with this role?

We're looking for someone to lead the Technical function across THIS and help build a Market leading reputation for our product quality. Working across our Supply base, internal teams and end customers you will use your knowledge, experience and character to manage the Food Safety & Quality agenda.

Reporting into the COO, you'll be responsible for defining the strategic technical agenda and building on the culture and quality culture with the team at THIS.

A key part of the Operations team you'll be comfortable working with the agility that the industry and our growth demands but it's expected that you'll be comfortable standing for what you believe in too.

What will you be getting up to?

• Building & leading the technical strategy for the brand across all products
• Creating/managing the policies and procedures needed to make sure our products are always of the highest quality including maintaining our BRC accreditation
• Carrying out root cause analysis and leading the subsequent corrective actions resulting from any production issues or consumer complaints that we come across
• Supporting our Innovation function with all new launches from a QA and product labelling perspective
• Carrying out internal audits on all our manufacturing partners and working with them to ensure all processes are fit for purpose and being followed.
• Overseeing the creation of our product specifications

What are we looking for?

• Someone with an end-to-end understanding of chilled, short-life FMCG supply chain
• Preferably 3+ years of experience in FMCG Quality Assurance with a strong understanding of 3rd logistics and 3rd party supplier relationships
• Experience of working within a manufacturing environment
• Strong problem solving skills and high numerical aptitude
• Methodical thinker with high attention to detail
• Ideally a person who's worked in a high-growth company and has experienced all of the associated growing pains and wins
• Happy to travel every 2-3 weeks to one of our Co-manufacturing or Supply Partners across Europe
• Someone with management experience
• This person will need to be reactive, efficient, and able to build relationships quickly with our manufacturing partners
• Positive attitude, proactivity and a tenacious character: things in our business can change very quickly, so being comfortable reacting quickly to unexpected opportunities and challenges is super important too!
• Ability and interest to work cross-functionally, we're still a relatively small team and believe that strong collaboration will take us further than working in silos
• Honesty & integrity - a conviction in your work to improve your small patch of the world for yourself and for others

From our side

• This is a full-time role where 3 days per week (Tues, Wed, Thurs) will be in our Hammersmith office, and two days will be working remotely. You will have 2 direct reports initially.
• A competitive salary that fairly recognises your experience and potential.
• 25 days paid Holiday Allowance, plus the 8 bank holidays, plus 1 paid Wellbeing Day a month to take off to dedicate to yourself. That's a total of 45 paid days off per full year - we care about our team's wellbeing, so we make sure you have time to fully switch off, rest, and recharge.
• Flexible working hours - We're not a 9-5. Our focus is on your ability to deliver for the business, not your ability to keep strict working hours.
• Life assurance
• Enhanced parental policies
• Access to our Freebie Freezer so you can eat as much of THIS as you fancy.

The chance to have a meaningful impact

As a relatively small team you'll be exposed to, and have the chance to contribute towards, challenges and projects at all levels and in all areas of the business. A good idea is a good idea, regardless of the experience or seniority of who came up with it.

THIS' Equity, Diversity and Inclusion hiring commitment

We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We celebrate the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of all our team members and strive to create an environment that encourages authenticity, collaboration, and growth. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in our industry. If you need any adjustments to the recruitment process to help you perform at your best, please let us know – we're here to help you.