Overview
Senior Manager - Technical (Produce) role based at IPL Normanton Head Office with travel to Asda House and other IPL Group sites in Leeds. Focus on food safety, quality and brand integrity within the Onsite Technical Team.
Responsibilities
* Lead the Technical and Quality teams across the UK and Spain to deliver Asda products that are safe, legal, and of the expected quality, protecting the ASDA brand for customers and shareholders.
* Ensure all applicable legislation related to food safety and legality is followed across IPL and 3rd party sites.
* Be accountable for certification and accreditation where applicable; apply consistent standards across the business unit with shared learnings and ways of working across teams, sites and suppliers.
* Support the NPD (ASDA Brand) team in development of Prepared Produce ranges; contribute technical expertise for quality attributes; work with Produce packaging experts to ensure clear customer messages and drive quality provenance credentials; explore varietal development from Spanish country offices for newness, quality and resistance.
* Engage ASDA brand team to ensure practical implementation of brand guidelines within Produce.
* Foster a culture where technical colleagues balance quality with cost, becoming the first choice for customers.
* Promote strong supplier relationships, with IPL technical teams as integral to procurement decision.
* Lead relationships with external stakeholders (e.g., DEFRA, DAERA, Plant Health teams, EHOs) and manage interactions with Horticultural Marketing Inspector Teams.
* Support ASDA on regulatory requirements with practical implementation approaches.
* Drive technical initiatives with the ASDA supply chain and retail landscape, applying a quality lens to depot/store operations.
* Be responsible for accurate KPI reporting and trend identification.
* Represent Asda externally with relevant industry bodies to influence positive change.
* Drive continuous improvement in product quality with robust, time-bound quality plans aligned with the retail buying team; utilize customer satisfaction data effectively.
* Lead benchmarking to develop best products and source top varieties to meet brand requirements.
* Ensure due diligence systems/processes are in place to deliver real-time non-compliance notifications for all suppliers supplying ASDA directly.
* Monitor emerging produce-food safety trends and compliance risks; identify solutions and process improvements.
* Lead a 3-year continuous quality plan through best-in-class retail specifications for all Asda Brand produce, driving standards with suppliers and growers.
* Promote a leadership culture focused on doing the right thing for food safety, legality, and quality.
* Maintain overall compliance with ASDA policies across IPL sites and 3rd party suppliers.
What we are looking for
* Food Safety Level 4
* VACCP/TACCP
* Lead Auditor Training
* BRCGS standards Training
* Extensive experience in Fresh Produce technical and quality assurance supply chains; relevant technical qualification in food science and/or agriculture desired
* HACCP Level 4
* Retailer (Asda) standards knowledge preferred
* Experience auditing manufacturing/production facilities
* Food safety risk management, quality management and brand protection awareness
* Understanding of ethical standards (e.g., Smeta audits) and engagement with ETI or relevant NGOs is desirable
* Proven leadership of Technical, NPD and Quality functions in Fresh Produce
* Awareness of sustainability initiatives in relation to growing fresh produce is desirable
What’s in it for you
At IPL, Forza, and Kober, we are dynamic businesses committed to developing our colleagues and creating an exceptional work environment. We offer opportunities for professional development, a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package including:
* 15% Asda in-store discount
* Annual bonus scheme
* 33 days annual leave (including 8 bank holidays)
* Enhanced pension scheme
* Life assurance - 4 x annual base salary
* Health and wellbeing support through Help@hand (GP, physiotherapy, mental health)
* Grocery Aid support services
* Electric vehicle scheme
* Asda Mobile discount
* Discounted health assessments for you and household
* Asda Pet Insurance discount
* Mortgage advice services
* Exclusive exchange rates via Asda Money
* Ride-to-work scheme
* Care Concierge support
Plus, lots more benefits; more details available on request.
About Us: IPL, Forza & Kober aim to support Asda on its journey to becoming #2 in the marketplace. We value diversity and are committed to an inclusive environment for all candidates.
#J-18808-Ljbffr