We are representing a major food retailer seeking a Category Technical Lead to take full accountability for technical and quality standards across the Chilled, Fresh & Bakery portfolio. This is a senior role with multi‑area responsibility, ensuring products are safe, legal, and high‑quality, while driving supplier improvement and embedding a culture of quality across trading teams.
The Role:
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Lead and manage all technical and quality aspects across chilled, fresh, and bakery categories (including meat, dairy, bakery, produce, and chilled convenience).
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Own due diligence, product specifications, testing, and compliance processes.
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Champion quality engagement within trading teams, setting strategic and short‑term agendas for supplier and product improvement.
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Contribute to sourcing strategy and support NPD/EPD from concept through launch.
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Monitor KPIs including complaints reduction, zero recalls, and technical compliance.
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Collaborate with suppliers, technical service providers, and cross‑functional teams to deliver safe, legal, responsibly sourced products.
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Provide leadership and direction to technical teams, building a quality‑focused culture.
Candidate Profile:
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Relevant technical/food safety qualifications and proven experience in food manufacturing or retail.
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Strong knowledge of legislation, technical standards, and risk assessment.
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Evidence of delivering safe, legal, responsibly sourced products.
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Analytical, proactive, and commercially aware, with the ability to influence stakeholders.
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Strong leadership skills, able to coach, guide, and build engaged teams.
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Agile, resilient, and able to thrive under pressure in a fast‑paced environment.
What’s on Offer:
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Senior leadership role with full category accountability.
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Opportunity to shape technical strategy and make a visible impact.
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Hybrid working model (office and field based).
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Competitive package with scope for career progression
