Supplier Technical Manager

Job Title: Supplier Technical Manager
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Location: Kanes Foods, Evesham WR11 8JS
Shift Pattern: Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 16:00
Salary: Up to £44,000 per annum (paid monthly)

About Us:
Kanes Foods is a modern food manufacturing facility based in Evesham, WR11 8JS, specialising in the development and production of a wide range of washed and ready-to-eat salads, fresh stir-fry vegetable mixes, fresh noodles, prepared vegetables, stir-fry sauces, and salad dressings.

With many years of experience and dedication from our team, we are committed to delivering the highest standards of quality and service to our customers. We are now looking for a Supplier Technical Manager to join our technical team and support us in maintaining and improving our supplier base. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is seeking a permanent role with long-term growth potential in a supportive and experienced working environment.

Please note: due to the nature of our operations, some areas of the factory may be chilled.

About the Role:
As a Supplier Technical Manager, you will be responsible for managing and developing the supplier approval and monitoring processes for raw materials, packaging, and ingredients. You will play a key role in ensuring food safety, compliance, and quality standards across the supply base, working closely with Procurement, NPD, and Technical teams. This role involves regular supplier engagement, risk assessment, document control, and data analysis, all contributing to the continuous improvement of our supplier network.

Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain processes and procedures for supplier and raw material approval (fresh produce, ingredients, packaging).
- Manage the onboarding and approval process for new suppliers and materials.
- Review and maintain due diligence documentation (e.g. specifications, certifications, quality attribute sheets).
- Track and analyse supplier performance to support data-driven decisions.
- Maintain the Approved Supplier List.
- Create and approve raw material specifications.
- Ensure surveillance schedules (e.g. raw material testing, traceability exercises) are followed.
- Conduct horizon scanning to identify risks in the supply chain.
- Carry out and update raw material and vulnerability risk assessments.
- Investigate and manage non-conforming materials from suppliers, including corrective actions.
- Collaborate with Procurement and Replenishment teams on improvement and risk mitigation projects.
- Support NPD team during product launches, ensuring supplier and material data accuracy.
- Assist the Goods-In team with on-hold deliveries and release/rejection procedures.
- Maintain supplier monitoring platforms (e.g. Authenticate, SSFP).
- Collate and submit packaging data in compliance with EPR and customer platforms.
- Liaise with external organisations and platforms (e.g. Audax, Food Experts) regarding pesticide approvals.
- Respond to queries from internal stakeholders and customers in a timely manner.
- Conduct supplier visits and audits; document findings and follow-up actions.
- Perform data analysis and generate KPI reports.
- Review product artwork for NPD/EPD launches.
- Participate in internal audits as part of the technical team.
- Support external audits and customer visits.
- Carry out any other reasonable duties to support the Technical Department and business needs.

About You – Knowledge, Skills & Experience:
- Strong technical background from the food industry, ideally in a supplier-facing role with experience in ingredients and packaging approval.
- Sound knowledge of food safety standards such as BRC, GlobalG.A.P., Red Tractor.
- Understanding of UK retailer technical standards and expectations.
- Awareness of food safety risks across diverse food categories and supply chains.
- Auditing qualification with proven auditing experience.
- HACCP trained.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Able to work efficiently in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
- Methodical, organised, and detail-oriented.
- Proactive with strong problem-solving capabilities.
- Flexible, collaborative, and supportive team player.
- Strong written and spoken English.
- Confident using computer systems and platforms.
- Full UK driving licence with the ability to travel if required.

Apply today to start your journey as a Supplier Technical Manager in Evesham and take the next step in your technical career with a supportive and experienced team.

INDTG