Senior Food Technologist

Whittard Trading Limited; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-known UK retailer is seeking a Senior Food Technologist to ensure compliance and manage supplier relations. The successful candidate will have over 5 years of experience and a degree in Food Science. Responsibilities include overseeing supplier assessments and collaborating on quality assurance. The position offers a hybrid working model, generous leave, and significant product discounts. Join an inclusive team dedicated to growth and support.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Flexible working opportunities

Up to 50% store discount

Monthly product allowance

Access to wellbeing portal

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a similar role.
• Experience in a retail food environment is advantageous.
• Willing and flexible to travel for supplier visits.

Responsibilities

• Manage the supplier approval and risk assessment process.
• Ensure compliance with technical documentation.
• Act as point of contact for technical collaboration.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Teamwork

Management of workload

Education

Degree in Food Science or related subject

Tools

Advanced HACCP certification

Job description

At Whittard, we’re passionate about bringing luxury tea and coffee to our communities. We’ve been achieving this goal since 1886, and have ambitious objectives to grow our business with each role being key in delivering these. The Senior Food Technologist is an exciting opportunity to be part of this journey join the Product and Buying team at our Milton Park offices.

Reporting to the Product Manager you will provide technical support and ensure the compliance of all products supplied by Whittard in the UK and overseas. In return you’ll benefit from hybrid working, generous holiday allowance, fantastic product discounts and investments in your professional training and development.

Responsibilities

• Manage the supplier approval and risk assessment process, including the onboarding of new suppliers.
• Regularly visit suppliers, warehouses, and partners to ensure a ‘gold’ standard is consistently achieved in line with Whittard sourcing practices.
• Work closely with suppliers and food technologists to ensure all certification and technical documentation is accurate and up to date.
• Act as the point of contact for technical collaboration with third-party partners and organisations, e.g., UKTIA, ETP, CWR.
• Collaborate with the Retail Operations team to ensure full compliance e.g. act as HACCP team leader, conduct annual mock recalls, and serve as the main point of contact for any quality or food safety issues.
• Deputise for the Product Manager to represent the company on technical matters.
• Line manage and support the development of the Food technologist

About You

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a similar role.
• Degree in Food Science or a related subject.
• Advanced HACCP certification is desirable.
• Experience in a retail food environment is a plus.
• Willing and flexible to travel, including overnight stays for supplier visits.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• A team player, able to work independently and manage your own workload remotely.
• Generous holiday allowance + enjoy your birthday off
• Up to 50% store discount on Whittard products.
• Monthly product allowance.
• Access to our wellbeing portal and Employee Assistant Programme
• Flexible working opportunities.
• Selection of family friendly benefits.

… And much much more!

Whittard of Chelsea is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We thrive to be a diverse and an inclusive organisation. We want to be a place where differences are recognised and celebrated, with a workforce that builds teams from all individualities, backgrounds, and experiences.

Together as a Whittard family, we continue to create a culture that encourages, supports, and inspires all our employees to have a voice, to make a positive difference in helping to develop our ambitious brand.