Supplier Technical Manager in Hampshire

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 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Energy Jobline CVL