*Location: Kent
*Job Type: Full-time
Where you will engage in both product and technical management to enhance our offerings and ensure the highest quality standards. This role is ideal for someone passionate about the food industry, looking to make a significant impact in product quality and innovation.
Day-to-day of the role:
Product Management
*Communicate with customer technologists, depot staff, and suppliers regarding product issues or improvements.
*Conduct customer and product benchmarking, organise samples, manage feedback, and report on store visits as necessary.
*Review specifications and continuously improve quality expectations.
*Investigate customer complaints and report findings through root cause analysis.
*Work with third-party service providers to ensure QA processes are consistent and efficient, aiming to reduce customer complaints, rejections, and wastage while protecting product quality.
*Build professional relationships with third-party QA, warehouse, site, and operational teams.
*Make informed product quality decisions and communicate effectively across functional teams.
R&D
*Support the R&D "Future of Food" project team with new variety and sustainability trials.
*Assist in the day-to-day management of the Future of Food site, including substrate production, hydroponics, and vertical farming.
*Participate in customer projects focusing on packaging, sustainability, and quality.
*Manage supplier due diligence and technical administration for retail customers.
*Keep stakeholders updated with developments in R&D and retail sectors.
*Manage and participate in sustainability, quality, supply, and product projects, including KPI reporting and data presentation.
Technical Management (All Product)
*Assist technical and product managers in managing procedures, processes, and legality.
*Conduct supplier and packing facility audits.
*Support and manage customer technical visits, including supplier visits.
*Maintain documentation on customer web portals.
*Support the ethical agenda and manage the approval of varieties, sampling, and NPD promotion.
*Manage the artwork development and rebranding process.
*Support business tenders by collating, presenting, and attending meetings related to technical and quality information.
*Collaborate with technical managers to write quality improvement plans.
Required Skills & Qualifications
*Degree in a relevant field (Food Science, Technology, or related).
*Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
*Ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders.
*Proficient in data analysis and presentation.
*Knowledge of quality assurance processes and food safety regulations.
*Experience in a technical role within the food industry is preferred but not required.