Assistant Category Technical Manager (22903) in London

The purpose of this role is to support the Global Product Development Team to deliver the global new product strategy & 3-year NPD plans for Holland & Barrett's own brand food in line with the business and category strategy.  

 At present we are undergoing total business transformation and Holland & Barrett Own label development is a key element to this. The vision for the business is to become the trusted partner for over 100 million people globally, to achieve their personal health and wellness goals.  

 You will support the Head of Technical and Senior Category Technologist, drive the quality and technical agenda within the business. You will ensure that H&B is at the forefront of any technological processes which will support launching pioneering new products.  You will ensure H&B has robust and agile processes of continuous monitoring of product quality, safety, and ethics. 

• New supplier assessment and approval against H&B safety, quality, sustainability, ethical sourcing and product integrity standards  
• Support the product development team in launch of new products with technical and quality activities.  
• Specification and Quality Contract approvals 
• Acting as technical expert in terms of processes, suppliers, and new technological capabilities to support category transformation 
• Identification and continuous review of the appropriate testing regiments for H&B own label products underpin product safety, quality, efficacy, and any claims made on products 
• Development product monitoring plan for the category to ensure consistent product quality, safety, efficacy, and integrity is achieved throughout the product life 
• Scoping out the market to ensure business receives information to keep H&B at the forefront of the market and support H&B's ambition to pioneer with new products. 
• Support head of technical and senior category technologists in creating H&B own label Codes of Practice 
• Conducting supplier audits and visits 
• Attend product trials and first productions to support new product launches 
• Support product trials at H&B facility in Burton from technical and quality aspects  
• Providing technical insight to the business regarding the supply base and their capabilities 
• Continuous horizon scanning of the emerging issues to ensure that these are addressed and corrective and preventative actions plans are implemented within H&B supplier base 
• Work with suppliers and internal stakeholders on quality issues for existing and new products  
• Work in collaboration with product developers to modify existing products and processes and to drive continuous improvement within H&B product range  
• Check and improve safety and quality control procedures in Holland & Barrett and suppliers' factories, from the raw material stage through to the finished product 
• Review supplier KPI reports and use the data to drive continuous improvements 
• Hold regular meetings with key suppliers to drive continuous improvement and build relationships 
• Manage customer complaints for the category by risk assessing and communicated with internal stakeholders as to the outcome of the investigation 
• Drive down the product complaints by working with the suppliers on root cause analysis and prevention on and off site. 

•  Minimum 2-3 years previous experience in product manufacturing or retail within chilled/ frozen high-risk foods in similar role 
• Suitable technical degree for related to the area of work. The following subjects are relevant: food nutrition and health, food safety and quality management, food science/technology  
• Good understanding if BRC and Organic standards  
• Passionate about product quality and launching great products  
• Passionate about putting the customer at the heart of what we do and exceeding their expectations. 
• Ability to clearly communicate with internal and external key stakeholders at all levels 
• Comfortable with juggling multiple timelines and working in a highly agile environment  
• A strong team player, adept at building effective relationships and stakeholder management. 
• Highly accountable and great at problem solving.  
• Results driven with strong attention to detail and a focus on quality. 
• Positive & proactive mindset 

By living Our Values you can make health and wellness a way of life for everyone:

Expertise. We're true experts, using our brilliant knowledge in everything to build trust.
Pioneering. We are curious, pushing boundaries and trying new things to benefit customers.
Inclusive. We are collaborative, we embrace diversity to deliver the best outcome as a team.
Caring. We are focused on improving health and wellness of colleagues, customers and communities. 

Our Benefits for this role include, but not limited to:

• H&B Employee Discount - 25%
• Bonus
• Pension company contribution
• 33 Days Holiday per year
• Private Medical Care
• Exclusive benefits, free advice and savings from a range of retailers and providers
• Electric Car Scheme