Supplier Technical Manager – Veg & Salads

Ready to shape the quality of fresh produce from field to fork?

An ambitious, purpose-led food business is looking for a Supplier Technical Manager – Veg & Salads to take the lead on supplier quality, technical compliance and continuous improvement across its fresh produce supply base.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a technically strong food professional with experience in fresh produce, supplier auditing and quality management to make a visible impact in a fast-moving, sustainability-focused environment. Working closely with sourcing, buying, quality and operations teams, the successful candidate will play a key role in improving supplier performance, protecting product quality and helping deliver an exceptional customer experience.

The role

The Supplier Technical Manager will act as the technical bridge between the business and its growers, suppliers and production partners. They’ll use data, insight and strong supplier relationships to improve quality standards, reduce rejections and complaints, strengthen performance and support a resilient, sustainable supply chain.

This is a hands-on, cross-functional role with plenty of variety — ideal for someone who enjoys combining technical expertise with relationship management, problem-solving and strategic supplier development.

What they’ll be responsible for

• Monitoring supplier and product performance to support better sourcing and buying decisions
• Investigating quality issues, identifying root causes and driving corrective actions
• Building trusted relationships with growers, suppliers and production partners
• Leading supplier audits, technical assessments and approval processes
• Managing supplier onboarding, approvals, suspensions and delisting activity
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives to reduce defects, rejections and complaints
• Supporting sustainability and carbon reduction plans with key suppliers
• Overseeing technical packaging requirements to ensure food safety, quality and sustainability standards are met
• Providing technical input into product launches, supplier innovation and product trials
• Maintaining supplier certifications, technical documentation and compliance records
• Working cross-functionally to improve quality, performance and customer satisfaction
• Supporting investigations into customer quality concerns and supplier performance issues

What they’re looking for

The ideal candidate will bring a strong technical grounding in food quality and supplier management, along with a collaborative, solutions-focused approach.

Essential skills and experience:

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Safety, Agriculture or a related discipline
• Experience working in the fresh produce sector
• 2–4+ years’ experience in a Technical, Supplier Technical, Technologist or Supplier Quality role
• Strong knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP, food safety systems, UK food standards and certification schemes
• Experience conducting supplier audits, technical assessments and corrective action management
• Strong understanding of fresh produce supply chains and grower relationships
• Confident using supplier and quality performance data to identify trends and drive action
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills
• Highly organised, detail-oriented and comfortable managing multiple priorities

Particularly valuable:

• Knowledge of standards such as Red Tractor, GlobalG.A.P., LEAF, Farm to Fork or Select Grower
• Technical expertise in at least one fruit or vegetable category
• Experience with product trials, supplier innovation or new product implementation
• Lead Auditor qualification or formal auditing certification
• Exposure to sustainability, ethical sourcing or carbon reduction initiatives

The kind of person who’ll thrive here

This role will suit someone who is:

• Passionate about food quality, sustainability and continuous improvement
• Proactive, solutions-oriented and comfortable challenging constructively
• Commercially aware, data-driven and confident making decisions
• Relationship-focused, with the ability to influence suppliers and internal stakeholders alike
• Adaptable and energised by a fast-paced, evolving business

Why join?

This is a chance to join a growing food business where quality, sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. The Supplier Technical Manager will have the opportunity to shape supplier performance, influence sourcing decisions and make a direct contribution to a more sustainable food system.

Interested?

This is an exciting opportunity for a technically minded fresh produce professional who wants to make a real impact in a business where quality and sustainability matter.

Apply now with a CV for immediate consideration.

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