Overview

Valeo Foods UK is the creative force behind an array of beloved brands spanning indulgence, innovation, and tradition. Our portfolio includes Kettle Crisps, Rowse Honey, Matthew Walker puddings, New World Foods, Barratt sweets, Metcalfe Popcorn, and more. Join us to craft experiences that bring people together and delight taste buds.

Position: Supplier and Raw Materials Technologist

Are you an expert in supplier management and raw material quality? Do you have a keen eye for detail and a passion for driving continuous improvement in food safety and quality across the supply base? If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, this is the role for you.

As the Supplier and Raw Materials Technologist at Valeo Foods, you’ll manage our supply base and ensure the quality, safety, and ethical standards of the raw materials used in our products. You will partner with Procurement, Technical, and Quality teams to meet Valeo Foods’ standards and drive improvements across the supply chain.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supplier Relationships & Risk Assessment: Build strong relationships with suppliers and manage risk assessments of ingredients and raw materials to meet Valeo Foods’ standards, customer requirements, and third-party certifications.
• Ethical Compliance: Ensure suppliers comply with Valeo Foods’ Ethical Framework (SEDEX), evaluating ethical risks through audits and visits.
• Collaboration: Support cross-functional teams, including Procurement, NPD, and Technical, on raw material and supplier-related topics.
• Customer Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with customer technical teams to provide confidence in our supply chain controls, supporting customer visits and audits.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and update the approved supplier list.
• Conduct risk assessments and testing schedules for raw materials, including Free From campaigns.
• Oversee raw material traceability and mass balance in the supply base.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, BRC, and other food safety standards in the supply base.
• Conduct supplier audits and ensure compliance with our risk-based audit schedule.
• Review and update raw material specifications, ensuring they meet customer and industry standards.
• Support the site’s Technical and Quality teams with supplier-related issues, non-conformances, and quality improvements.
• Work with the HR team to assess any risks related to supplier ethical compliance.

Qualifications

We’re looking for someone who brings a blend of technical expertise, strong relationship-building skills, and a keen eye for detail. You’ll have:

• A degree or equivalent in Food Science or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in the food industry or a similar environment, with a focus on supplier management.
• HACCP Level 3 qualification and experience with BRC compliance and audits.
• Strong experience with supplier audits and risk assessments.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to build relationships both internally and externally.
• A hands-on, solution-focused approach to managing supplier quality and resolving issues.

Additional Information

Hours: Full-time (Monday to Friday) hybrid working (2-3 days on site in Norwich)

What We Offer You In Return

• Salary £27-£28k
• Matched pension scheme
• Death in service
• Cycle to work scheme
• Canteen
• Retailer discount platform
• Staff discount
• And plenty more!!

If you’re ready to take on a role that combines technical expertise with strategic supplier management, we want to hear from you. Apply today and help shape the future of food safety and quality at Valeo Foods.