About the role
We are looking for a visionary Category Technical Manager to lead a team of Technical Managers / Technologists in safeguarding Waitrose's reputation for excellence. You will oversee the safety, legality, and quality of our products while driving technical innovation and product development. If you are an inspiring leader with a passion for provenance and cross‑functional collaboration, we invite you to help us elevate our standards and shape the future of our brand.
- Salary - £75,800- £121,000
- Contract type - Permanent (two positions)
- Working pattern/flexible working - Hybrid approach, 3 days a week in‑person for the Waitrose Own Brand Team, with flexibility for home office and supplier visits.
- Location - Bracknell Head office
- Interviews - End of June / Early July
Key responsibilities
Responsible for leading a team of expert Technical Managers and Technologists in the technical management of a defined range of new and existing Waitrose products and their manufacture (at external manufacturers and/or farms) to ensure quality, safety, legality, compliance to relevant brand standards and provenance of those products and their components.
- Manage and deliver product development programmes; secure and develop the brand reputation of Waitrose.
- Identify and implement technical innovation within the department and supply chain to drive improved business efficiency and growth.
- Develop and implement technical and sourcing standards that maintain and enhance the Waitrose and Partners Brand reputation.
- Lead and manage a team of Technical Managers and Technologists to reach their full potential and be a role model for our Partnership values.
- Facilitate cross‑functional working across category PODs, demonstrating appropriate stakeholder engagement.
Essential skills / experience you'll need
- Relevant Food Science degree or equivalent formal qualification.
- HACCP Level 3 and Lead Auditor training.
- Relevant specialist training e.g., allergens, microbiology, pesticide management, cosmetics.
- Current (within last 12 months) extensive technical experience within the food or non‑food industry.
- Recent experience in line management of a team and driving improvement through data‑driven insights.
