Supplier Technical Manager

Supplier Technical Manager

Reporting to: Head of Technical
Location: Hampshire (site-based with travel to suppliers)
Direct Reports: Technical team members

Job Purpose

Ensure suppliers consistently meet food safety, quality, legality and ethical standards, acting as the key technical link between growers, suppliers, production and customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage supplier due diligence, audits and risk assessments across UK and European supply chains.
• Oversee crop performance, pest and disease issues, and drive corrective actions with suppliers.
• Manage testing programmes (microbiological and pesticide residues) and investigate non-conformances.
• Act as technical lead for supplier onboarding, compliance documentation and pesticide approvals.
• Monitor supplier performance through KPIs, audits and seasonal reviews, producing weekly reports.
• Manage ethical compliance and investigations using audit frameworks (SEDEX, SMETA, GRASP).
• Collaborate with procurement, agronomy, farms and technical teams to improve quality and supply performance.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, retailer standards and codes of practice, including Scope 3 requirements.
• Support factory operations, supplier meetings and customer technical visits where required.

Person Specification

• Experience in supplier assurance, auditing and compliance within fresh produce or agri-food supply chains.
• Strong knowledge of BRCGS, GlobalG.A.P., Red Tractor, LEAF and ethical compliance systems.
• HACCP Level 3 qualified with strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Commercially aware, proactive and experienced in driving supplier performance improvements.
• Degree in Food Science, Agriculture or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• 3–5+ years’ experience in technical or supplier-facing agri-food roles.
• Strong IT skills; experience with supply chain systems essential.
• BASIS/FACTS qualifications and Spanish/Italian language skills desirable.

Personal Attributes

Highly organised, detail-focused and proactive with strong problem-solving ability and the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.