Technical Manager

Key responsibilities: Delivering the Own Brand Product Plan for the category by supporting the technical elements of all approved projects, and project managing those assigned to technical. Operating in a collaborative matrix way of working across Quality & Technical, Regulatory, Policy & Compliance, Product Innovation, CPG Trading, Marketing, Customer Services, Retail and Ethics & Sustainability to deliver shared KPIs Identifying opportunities for technical innovation & process optimisation across product ranges and supply chains to create growth and efficiency, improve brand equity and implement best practice. Developing and maintaining robust internal & external networks in order to shape the development of standards relevant to own category and to maintain manufacturing knowledge and implement best practice in supply base. Managing and developing the technical relationship with Waitrose suppliers and identify product or supplier risks within the Category Trading area, establish root causes and develop technical improvement plans to mitigate. Implementing the onboarding and approving of new suppliers in line with Waitrose Technical standards. Ensuring accurate and compliant supplier and site information and product information to the required standard on all applicable systems. Contributing to the development of appropriate technical, legal and brand strategies, policies and standards, in collaboration with Regulation, Policy & Compliance and other relevant teams. Managing product incidents for Own Label lines, with required follow up activity. Essential skills/experience you’ll need: Degree in food science (or similar) or equivalent experience in Technical within the Food & Grocery industry HACCP training (Level 3), Lead Assessor At least 5 years Technical experience within the food industry Supplier management and technical development Specialist training e.g allergens, microbiology, pesticide management, cosmetics regulations, specification management and product labelling legal requirements Desirable skills/experience you may have: Additional specialist qualifications in specific category or product areas as required