Overview
Senior Technical Manager (Produce) at IPL International Procurement and Logistics. Based at IPL Normanton Head Office and Asda House with travel between Asda House and other IPL Group sites as well as 3rd party suppliers.
Schedule and Location
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm
Location: IPL Normanton, with travel between Asda House and other IPL Group sites as well as 3rd party suppliers
Contract Type: Permanent
Responsibilities
* Leading the Technical and Quality teams across the UK and Spain to deliver Asda Products that are safe and legal and of the expected quality, protecting the ASDA brand for our customers and shareholders.
* Ensure all applicable legislation related to Food safety and Legality are being followed across the teams and sites (IPL and 3rd party).
* Accountable for Certification and accreditation where applicable to product. Consistent standards applied across the business unit with shared learnings and ways of working across the team and sites/suppliers.
* Support the NPD (ASDA Brand) team in their development of Prepared Produce ranges, offering skills and knowledge for the development of stretching quality attributes. Work with experts for Produce packaging ensuring customer messages are clear, concise and drive ASDA quality provenance credentials. Forward thinking on varietal development from the Spanish country offices for newness, quality and resistance.
* Engage ASDA brand team to ensure brand guidelines can be practically implemented within Produce.
* Create a positive culture where technical colleagues thrive on finding the balance between quality and price and therefore being the first choice for our customers.
* Promote strong supplier relationships with those supplying direct to ASDA, where IPL technical teams are an integral part of the procurement decision and are at the forefront of suppliers’ minds when developing and producing products and agronomic practices.
* Lead relationships with external stakeholders who engage ASDA such as DEFRA, DAERA, Plant Health teams (managing the relationship with Horticultural Marketing Inspector Teams is a key external contact) EHO’s.
* Support ASDA on regulatory requirements, finding practical ways to support implementation.
* Lead technical initiatives with the ASDA supply chain and retail landscape ensuring initiatives around depot or store operations are approached through a quality lens.
* Responsible for accurate KPI reporting, including correct identification of trends.
* Represent Asda externally with relevant industry bodies, influencing change to benefit Asda/industry/customer.
* Drive a culture of continuous improvement in product quality, delivering robust and time-bound quality plans agreed with retail buying teams for underperforming areas, based on customer satisfaction data.
* Drive a program of benchmarking to develop the best products and promote procurement of the best varieties to meet brand requirements.
* Ensure due diligence systems/processes are in place and effective delivering real time notifications of non-compliance for all suppliers that supply ASDA directly.
* Monitor emerging Produce food safety trends and compliance risks (particularly in Prepared Produce), identifying solutions and process improvements.
* Drive a 3-year continuous quality plan through best-in-class retail specifications for all Asda Brand produce, driving quality standards with suppliers (including IPL), and the growers beneath them.
* Foster leadership culture that promotes doing the right thing in terms of food safety legality and quality.
* Overall responsibility for compliance with ASDA policies, across IPL sites and 3rd party suppliers.
What are we 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 required, relevant technical qualification in food science and/or agriculture desired.
* HACCP Level 4
* Retailer (Asda) standards knowledge would be preferable
* Experience of auditing manufacturing/production facilities required.
* Food safety risk management, quality management and brand reputation protection awareness are required.
* Understanding of ethical standards such as those covered in SMETA audits, along with experience engaging the ETI and/or other relevant NGOs is desirable.
* Proven Leadership of Technical, NPD and Quality functions in relation to 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’re dynamic businesses dedicated to fostering the development of our colleagues and creating an exceptional work environment. We believe in teamwork and collaboration to drive our success. To continue our growth, we’re seeking individuals who embody our values, culture, and commitment.
In return, 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 - Inclusive of 8 days bank holiday
* Enhanced pension scheme
* Life Assurance - All our colleagues benefit from life assurance of 4 x their annual base salary
* Help@hand - Free, direct access to health and wellbeing support service, including unlimited video consultations with a UK-based GP 24/7, physiotherapy, and mental health support
* Grocery Aid - emotional, practical, and financial support services
* Electric Vehicle Scheme*
* Asda Mobile Discount - 30% off a wide range of Asda Mobile bundles
* Discounted health assessments - Self-Pay BUPA Health Assessments
* Asda Pet Insurance discount – Up to 10%
* Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB) - Fee-free mortgage and protection advice
* Exclusive Exchange Rates via Asda Money
* Ride-to-work scheme - Savings on bikes, clothing, and equipment
* Care Concierge - Legal & General’s Care Concierge resource
Plus, lots more! Depending on job band, other fantastic benefits are also available including private healthcare, car allowances, and long-term incentive schemes.
About Us
Our purpose at IPL, Forza & Kober is simple: one team who creates exceptional value for our customers, with a mission to support Asda on their journey to becoming #2 in the marketplace. We value diversity and are committed to an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive. We are seeking applications from candidates who share our values and celebrate diversity in all its forms.
Seniority level
* Director
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Engineering and Information Technology
Industries
* Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage, Freight and Package Transportation, and Truck Transportation
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