Vacancy NameHead of Technical - Product Vacancy NoVN1147 Job TypePermanent LocationHatfield Job Details
Head of Technical - Product
Contract type:Permanent
Location:Hatfield (Hybrid working - 3 days in the office)
Working hours per week:40 hours - Full-Time
Level:Head of Department
Application Closing Date:Wednesday, 3rd December
About us
Our mission is to deliver joy in every shop, through unbeatable choice, unrivalled service, and reassuringly good value.
We’re Ocado Retail, a market-leading joint venture between Ocado Group and M&S, and the world’s largest dedicated online supermarket,. Not only is Ocado.com the only place to shop a full range of M&S food online, it’s also the home to the widest online supermarket range in the UK and champion of small, independent brands. We’re also the brains behind, our same-day grocery delivery service.
About the team and the role
The Head of Technical has overall responsibility for product, safety, quality and legality for the Ocado Own Brand range, as well as indirect responsibility for M&S and Branded products. This includes ongoing management of surveillance programmes and supplier due diligence. The role is responsible for the Product Technical Managers as well as the Compliance Team. In addition, the role has responsibility for managing all regulatory and governmental relationships.
What you’ll do
1. Manage the successful launch of the technical elements of Ocado Own Brand products through the Technical Manager community
2. Managing and overseeing all Product Safety, Supplier management, Product quality, compliance and both internal and external reporting
3. Deliver and maintain the Quality Management system, including all technical governance policies and procedures for all products, with a particular focus on Ocado's Own brand
4. Ensure all Technical KPI targets are managed and reported against at the leadership level
5. Lead the Own Brand Technical team and Compliance team
6. Lead incidents and manage the complaints team
7. Continuous improvement of the Quality Management system
8. Own the Own Brand product specification system
9. Keep up to date on all relating regulatory and technical challenges needed to ensure the Own Brand range is safe, legal and compliant at all times.
Accountabilities
10. Implementing and retaining the company’s high technical standards across all categories
11. Developing and maintaining a high-performing team
12. Engaging with stakeholders to maintain Product Safety, Compliance and Quality in everything we do.
Managing the own-brand supply base for
13. Product Quality monitoring and improvement plans
14. Maintain quality against QAS benchmark standards
15. Supplier audit
16. Maintain the agreed product margin
17. Building strong partnerships and developing efficient ways of working with the Own Brand supply base
18. Develop rigorous benchmarking and performance monitoring processes
19. Ongoing supplier risk assessment
Engage on the Own Brand supply base for
20. Sustainability
21. Sourcing with integrity, including Human Rights
Engage a wider supply base for
22. Manage branded product accuracy
23. Manage small branded suppliers to review and control supplier and product risk
24. Oversee technical elements of product setup across brands and the Ocado Own brand
Who you are
25. Substantial experience in both Retail Technical Management and Manufacturing
26. Food Technology (or similar)
27. HACCP Level 4 qualified (desirable)
28. Level 4 Food Hygiene Certificate (desirable)
29. Lead Auditor qualified (desirable or equivalent experience)
30. Adept in product risk and crisis management
31. Experience in writing and embedding policy
32. Demonstrable Microbiological Risk Management
33. People management experience
34. Ability to interpret data and act upon it
35. Adaptability and flexibility in an ever-changing environment
36. Focus on quality, accuracy and attention to detail
37. Highly organised and self-motivated
38. Embedded knowledge of food law and product law
What’s in it for you
By joining Ocado Retail, you’ll have the chance to experience life at the world’s largest online retailer, work with an amazing bunch of people who challenge what’s possible each day, and grow your skills and career in online retail.
If that’s not enough to tempt you, you’ll also get access to loads of great benefits to sweeten the deal. Here’s a taste of what we offer:
Health & Wellbeing: Private medical insurance with option to add your family, Digital GP appointments, market-leading family policies, mental health support, discounted gym memberships, dental insurance, and more.
Spend & Save: Annual bonus scheme split between personal and business objectives, recognition with reward platform, up to 7% matched pension contributions, 15% Ocado discount, 20% M&S discount, free breakfast every day in the office, electric vehicle leasing scheme, and free shuttle bus from Hatfield station to the office.
Never miss the moments that matter: Hybrid working, 26 days holiday plus 8 flexible bank holidays, options to buy extra holiday, 2 weeks work from anywhere, and lifestyle break opportunities.
Our Hiring Process
Lucky for us, we receive a high volume of applications and genuinely appreciate the time and effort invested by every candidate. To ensure a fair and thorough process, every application is reviewed by a member of our team. If your skills and experience are a strong match, a Talent Partner will contact you to discuss the role and guide you through the next steps of our hiring process.
Your Application and AI
In the spirit of innovation, we welcome you to use AI tools in your application, just as we use them in our own business at Ocado Retail. However, as you leverage this technology, please don't lose sight of the most important element: your unique self. Your experiences, passions, and personality are what truly set you apart. Ensure that your application still authentically conveys who you are and why you're a great fit for us.
Everyone’s welcome