Head of Technical – Product

Ocado Retail Ltd; Hatfield; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading online supermarket in Hatfield is seeking a Head of Technical to manage product safety and quality. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in Retail Technical Management and a Food Technology degree. This full-time position offers a hybrid work model and an attractive benefits package including private medical insurance, bonuses, and generous holiday allowances.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Annual bonus scheme

Hybrid working options

Market-leading family policies

Discounts at Ocado and M&S

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in Retail Technical Management and Manufacturing.
• Food Technology Degree (or similar).
• HACCP Level 4 qualified (desirable).
• People management experience.
• Ability to interpret data and act upon it.

Responsibilities

• Manage successful launch of technical elements of products.
• Deliver and maintain the Quality Management system.
• Lead the Own Brand Technical team and Compliance team.

Skills

Retail Technical Management

Food Technology knowledge

HACCP Level 4

Crisis Management

People Management

Data Interpretation

Attention to Detail

Education

Food Technology Degree

Tools

Quality Management Systems

Job description

Head of Technical – Product

Contract type: Permanent

Location: Hatfield (Hybrid working – 3 days in the office)

Working hours per week: 40 hours – Full-Time

Level: Head of Department

Application Closing Date: Wednesday, 3rd December

About Us

Our mission is to deliver joy in every shop, through unbeatable choice, unrivalled service, and reassuringly good value. We’re Ocado Retail, a market‑leading joint venture between Ocado Group and M&S, and the world’s largest dedicated online supermarket, ocado.com. Not only is Ocado.com the only place to shop a full range of M&S food online, it’s also the home to the widest online supermarket range in the UK and champion of small, independent brands. We’re also the brains behind Zoom by Ocado, our same‑day grocery delivery service.

About the Team and the Role

The Head of Technical has overall responsibility for product, safety, quality and legality for the Ocado Own Brand range, as well as indirect responsibility for M&S and Branded products. This includes ongoing management of surveillance programmes and supplier due diligence. The role is responsible for the Product Technical Managers as well as the Compliance Team. In addition, the role has responsibility for managing all regulatory and governmental relationships.

What You’ll Do

• Manage the successful launch of the technical elements of Ocado Own Brand products through the Technical Manager community
• Managing and overseeing all Product Safety, Supplier management, Product quality, compliance and both internal and external reporting
• Deliver and maintain the Quality Management system, including all technical governance policies and procedures for all products, with a particular focus on Ocado's Own brand
• Ensure all Technical KPI targets are managed and reported against at the leadership level
• Lead the Own Brand Technical team and Compliance team
• Lead incidents and manage the complaints team
• Continuous improvement of the Quality Management system
• Own the Own Brand product specification system
• Keep up to date on all relating regulatory and technical challenges needed to ensure the Own Brand range is safe, legal and compliant at all times

Accountabilities

• Implementing and retaining the company’s high technical standards across all categories
• Developing and maintaining a high‑performing team
• Engaging with stakeholders to maintain Product Safety, Compliance and Quality in everything we do

Managing the Own‑Brand Supply Base For

• Product Quality monitoring and improvement plans
• Maintain quality against QAS benchmark standards
• Supplier audit
• Maintain the agreed product margin
• Building strong partnerships and developing efficient ways of working with the Own Brand supply base
• Develop rigorous benchmarking and performance monitoring processes
• Ongoing supplier risk assessment

Engage on the Own Brand Supply Base for

• Sustainability
• Sourcing with integrity, including Human Rights

Engage a Wider Supply Base for

• Manage branded product accuracy
• Manage small branded suppliers to review and control supplier and product risk
• Oversee technical elements of product setup across brands and the Ocado Own brand

Who You Are

• Substantial experience in both Retail Technical Management and Manufacturing
• Food Technology Degree (or similar)
• HACCP Level 4 qualified (desirable)
• Level 4 Food Hygiene Certificate (desirable)
• Lead Auditor qualified (desirable or equivalent experience)
• Adept in product risk and crisis management
• Experience in writing and embedding policy
• Demonstrable Microbiological Risk Management
• People management experience
• Ability to interpret data and act upon it
• Adaptability and flexibility in an ever‑changing environment
• Focus on quality, accuracy and attention to detail
• Highly organised and self‑motivated
• Embedded knowledge of food law and product law

What’s In It For You

By joining Ocado Retail, you’ll have the chance to experience life at the world’s largest online retailer, work with an amazing bunch of people who challenge what’s possible each day, and grow your skills and career in online retail.

Benefits

• Health & Wellbeing: Private medical insurance with option to add your family, Digital GP appointments, market‑leading family policies, mental health support, discounted gym memberships, dental insurance, and more
• Spend & Save: Annual bonus scheme split between personal and business objectives, recognition with reward platform, up to 7% matched pension contributions, 15% Ocado discount, 20% M&S discount, free breakfast every day in the office, electric vehicle leasing scheme, and free shuttle bus from Hatfield station to the office
• Never miss the moments that matter: Hybrid working, 26 days holiday plus 8 flexible bank holidays, options to buy extra holiday, 2 weeks work from anywhere, and lifestyle break opportunities

Hiring Process

We receive a high volume of applications and appreciate the time and effort invested by every candidate. If your skills and experience are a strong match, a Talent Partner will contact you to discuss the role and guide you through the next steps of our hiring process.

Your Application and AI

In the spirit of innovation, we welcome you to use AI tools in your application, just as we use them in our own business at Ocado Retail. However, as you leverage this technology, please don't lose sight of the most important element: your unique self. Your experiences, passions, and personality are what truly set you apart. Ensure that your application still authentically conveys who you are and why you're a great fit for us.

Everyone’s welcome

We’re an equal opportunities employer, which means that we make sure all potential colleagues are treated fairly and equally. We want to ensure everyone has a fair chance to apply; if you need this job description in an alternative format (e.g., larger print, different document type, etc.), please reach out to us at [e-mail] and we'll be happy to assist you, and if you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know on the application form.