Supplier and Raw Materials Technologist

At Valeo Foods UK, we’re the creative force behind an array of beloved brands spanning indulgence, innovation, and tradition. From the iconic crunch of Kettle Crisps to the pure sweetness of Rowse Honey, and the rich heritage of Matthew Walker puddings, our portfolio reflects our commitment to quality and diversity.

But that's not all – our family of brands extends further, encompassing an exciting array of products and experiences. Whether it's the Wild West flavours of New World Foods, the nostalgic joy of Barratt sweets, or the timeless appeal of Metcalfe Popcorn, each brand carries its own unique story, flavour, and charm. Join us on a journey where passion meets flavour, crafting experiences that bring people together and delight taste buds.

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 play a crucial role in managing our supply base and ensuring the quality, safety, and ethical standards of the raw materials that go into our beloved products. You will partner with Procurement, Technical, and Quality teams to ensure we meet Valeo Foods' rigorous standards and drive improvements across our supply chain.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Supplier Relationships & Risk Assessment: Build strong relationships with suppliers and manage the 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.

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.

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

What we offer you in return:

• 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.