Job Description

The key responsibilities of the Product Technical Manager are:

• Enabling the NPD launch process and covering all technical aspects of new product launches (including Food safety, supplier due diligence & quality parameters) to ensure we launch the right product first time.
• Supplier management: taking technical ownership of the supplier base and work closely with the Product Developer and Trading Manager to embed their way in everything their suppliers do to give their customers the best quality of products made in the best factories. This includes schedule approval & maintenance audits, NPD visits & supplier scorecard management. This may include regular UK & some international travel.
• Quality Monitoring: ongoing programme of quality monitoring vs product specifications and quality assessment sheets to ensure we always offer to our customers the best quality products.
• Surveillance Testing: manage and agree with the Lead Technical Manager frequency and requirements for testing the products of your categories. Action and rectify any non-conformance with the supplier.
• Help the Lead Technical Manager in implementing new technical Systems and Policies (eg Ethical Trading: ensure that the Sedex database is populated and completed for your suppliers. If there are any non- conformances, these must be investigated and an action program established).
• Day job activity will include KPIs management, specifications management & sign off & artwork approval & liaising with the Trading & Own Brand teams.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Experience working with retailers or having a retail facing role; working closely with suppliers, including auditing, supplier development & NPD from concept to launch. Food technology (or similar) degree with 2:1 preferable; HACCP qualified (ideally level 3) Lead Auditor qualified is preferred Experience of Food Product Development in a Retail or Factory environment is essential for the role. Having a sound awareness of the UK food legislation & any new regulations that might affect the food industry. Able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of ethical trade, animal welfare, distribution chains, allergen management & current Technical challenges Proficient in Microsoft Office packages and web-based systems. Ability to interpret data and act upon it. Adaptability within a fast growing company environment. Focus on quality, accuracy and attention to detail. Highly organised and self-motivated.