Technical Manager - Food

PLEASE NOTE: As part of our organisational changes, our ongoing structure and roles continue to be reviewed. While this role is being advertised, circumstances may change and the role could be withdrawn/amended.
Applications Close 14th October.
Grade D+

Technical Manager - Food

At WHSmith Europe our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are the ones that go the extra mile for our customers, the ones that enable our growth. That’s why our Commercial team is passionate about creating an environment where people can be creative and trailblazing in order to do their best work.Technical Manager has a fundamental role in developing our product proposition and supporting trading teams to exceed customer expectations.

What you will be doing:

Assist in development and writing of technical governance, risk management, and compliance strategies for the business across food
Conducting monthly KPI reviews with key SFK and Food Service suppliers.
Assist in the development, writing, publishing and compliance to our own brand standards in liaison with the NPD Manager and Ethical teams
Complaints management, ensuring surveillance for trends, distribution and follow up with suppliers where necessary and escalation as appropriate.
Manage label compliance process including developing procedures, building procedures into Critical Paths, liaising with external label advise consultants as applicable.
Support the HOT and NPD manager in developing suitable technical and development standards and associated policies.
Support the NPD manager and TA in delivery of critical paths and supplier liaison on data entry onto Nutritics
Development of risk-based product testing schedule
Support the development and implement technical policies, guidelines, and standards that comply with regulations and establish new benchmarks
Risk assessing products and ensuring product specifications are received as required based on risk.
Be the subject matter expert on regulatory and legislation changes across food.
Support implementation of regulation changes into the business
Development and maintenance of Food HACCP systems that fall under the commercial scope

What we are looking for:

Proven experience in a technical role within retail or manufacturing
Food experience
Good understanding of BRCGS, retailer codes of practice, HACCP, VACCP/TACCP, and UK food legislation
Good stakeholder management skills, with the ability to mobilise teams
Regulatory experience
A passion for product
A self-starter, with a proven record of driving projects forward independently
A hands-on leader with good management and influencing skills
A collaborative approach and ‘can do’ attitude
Experience of food safety controls for branded products as well as own label products
Experience of Food Service Food Safety requirements and associated food business operations.
Experience of working with other retailers, trade associations, certification bodies, FSA, Food Crime Unit

How we reward our teams:

Hybrid Working Model from home and in the office
4pm Friday Finish
Flexible Working
25 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday
Family Friendly Leave
Company Pension scheme
Annual Bonus based on company and personal performance
Competitive Salary
Private Medical Care
Cycle to work scheme
Staff Discount Card for railway stores (subject to policy)

About us:

Celebrating over 230 years, we’re proud to have grown into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries – the air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey. As a diverse group of over 6,000 colleagues, we’re all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve.

Our business operates from two key locations, In a vibrant area of London, close to Aldgate and Liverpool Street Station, while the other is located at Swindon's International Business Park, just off the M4 with excellent transport links and over 100 on-site parking spaces.

For WHSmith Europe, our mission is simple – to create value for our stakeholders by providing a platform for global brands across airports, hospitals, rail stations and other markets. Our operational environment is fast-paced and highly regulated, requiring exceptional standards of maintenance, compliance, health & safety and colleague welfare across every location.

We’re all about creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can be themselves and do their best. No matter your background, age, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, race or ethnicity, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation or anything else that makes you, you—you’re welcome here.

We’re also open to flexible working where possible, so if that’s something you need, let’s chat. And if you need any adjustments during the selection process, just let our Talent Acquisition team know—we’re happy to help!