Supplier and Raw Materials Technologist

At Valeo Foods UK we bring together a family of much-loved UK food brands supported by the scale and ambition of a global investment partner. From Kettle’s bold crunch to Rowse’s natural sweetness, through to Matthew Walker and Barratt Sweets, our portfolio blends heritage, craft and category-leading innovation.

Alongside our branded portfolio, we are also one of the UK’s largest suppliers of private label products, partnering with major retailers to deliver quality and category expertise that meets the needs of millions of households every week.

As a business, we’re on a journey of transformation. We’re strengthening our operations, driving quality and investing in our people. It’s an exciting, fast-moving environment where heritage meets new thinking, and where every colleague contributes to shaping the future of food across the UK.

Join us and play your part in building the next chapter of some of Britain’s most loved brands.

Supplier and Raw Materials Technologist

Heanor/Leeds Office Base - Hybrid working with 3 days on local site per week

Are you a specialist in supplier management and raw materials? Do you thrive on ensuring the highest standards of food safety, integrity, and ethical compliance? If you’re ready to make a real impact across a dynamic supply chain, we’d love to hear from you.

At Valeo Foods, our KETTLE chips sites are passionate about crafting products people love — and that starts with exceptional ingredients. As our Supplier & Raw Materials Technologist, you’ll be at the heart of our supply base, ensuring every raw material meets our rigorous quality, safety, and ethical standards. You’ll collaborate closely with Procurement, Technical, and Quality teams to strengthen supplier performance and drive continuous improvement across the business.

What You’ll Be Doing:

Supplier Management & Risk Control

• Build strong, proactive relationships with suppliers.
• Lead ingredient and raw material risk assessments to meet Valeo Foods’ standards, customer expectations, and third‑party certification requirements.

Ethical & Responsible Sourcing

• Ensure suppliers comply with Valeo Foods’ Ethical Framework (including SEDEX).
• Assess ethical risks through audits, documentation reviews, and on‑site visits.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Procurement, NPD, Technical, and Quality teams on all supplier and raw material matters.
• Support customer technical teams, providing confidence in our supply chain controls and participating in customer visits and audits.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and continuously update the approved supplier list.
• Conduct raw material risk assessments and manage testing schedules, including Free From campaigns.
• Oversee raw material traceability and mass balance across the supply base.
• Ensure supplier compliance with HACCP, BRC, and other relevant food safety standards.
• Carry out supplier audits in line with the risk‑based audit schedule.
• Review, maintain, and improve raw material specifications to meet customer and industry requirements.
• Support site Technical and Quality teams with supplier‑related issues and non‑conformances improvement initiatives.
• Work with HR to identify and manage risks related to supplier ethical complian

What You’ll Bring:

We’re looking for someone who combines technical expertise with strong relationship‑building skills and a meticulous approach to quality. To thrive in this role, you’ll bring:

• Demonstrable experience in the food industry or a similar environment, ideally with a strong focus on supplier management
• HACCP Level 3 qualification, plus hands‑on experience with BRC compliance and audits
• Proven experience conducting supplier audits, risk assessments, and driving supplier performance
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to build trust and influence both internally and externally
• A proactive, practical, and solution‑driven mindset, with the confidence to tackle supplier quality issues and deliver continuous improvement
• A degree (or equivalent) in Food Science or a related discipline would be desirable
• A full driving licence

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.