Senior Category Technical Manager – Non Food
Job Description
Job title: Senior Category Technical Manager – Non Food
Company: Holland & Barrett
Job description: Join our team and be part of a company that truly lives its values. With our expertise and commitment to innovation, we aim to build trust and make health and wellness accessible to all. By fostering inclusivity and care, we work collaboratively to improve the well-being of our colleagues, customers, and communities.
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 Group Head of Technical and category technical managers to 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.
The Role:
Key Responsibilities:
- Working in collaboration with the global quality and technical team and key supplier partners to develop H&B Own Label Policies for high-risk product categories
- Working in collaboration with the global quality and technical team and key supplier partners to develop H&B Manufacturing standards
- Continuously working on reviewing and improving H&B own label safety, quality, sustainability, ethical sourcing and product integrity standards in line with emerging risks and customer needs
- Leading as a technical expert in terms of processes, suppliers, and new technologies to ensure H&B is at the forefront of the market and pioneering with new products for the customer
- Line management and overseeing the development of category technical managers
- Act as the technical/quality expert to support major strategic projects in line with business transformation
- Lead the 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
- Lead the embedding and continuous review of new technical and quality processes to ensure support the product development team in launch of new products
- Lead the establishing and continuous review of own label product monitoring plans to ensure consistent product quality, safety, efficacy, and integrity is achieved throughout the product life
- Specification and Quality Contract approvals
- 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
- New supplier assessment and approval against H&B safety, quality, sustainability, ethical sourcing and product integrity standards
- Conducting supplier audits and visits
- Attend product trials and first productions to support new product launches
- Providing technical insight to the business regarding the supply base and their capabilities
- 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
- Developing and continuously evolving framework for measuring and comparing supplier performance in collaboration with other keys stakeholders
- Hold regular meetings with key suppliers to drive continuous improvement and build relationships
- Support food technologist in managing high risk complaints
Location: The company has a Hub in Nuneaton and we typically expect colleagues to spend at least two days each week in the office. There may also be occasional travel to other locations. We’re a global, digitally enabled business and we expect our colleagues to be self-driven and to determine the most appropriate place to work each day to meet the requirements of the role, achieve their best performance and optimum output.
The Person:
Key Requirements:
People Skills
- 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.
Technical Skills
- Previous experience in product manufacturing or retail within vitamins, supplements or beauty products in a senior role
- Suitable technical degree for related to the area of work. The following subjects are relevant: nutrition and health, safety and quality management, science/technology, product formulation
- Good understanding of BRC or other GFSI standards and GMP standards
- Team management experience
What we offer:
Our Benefits for this role include, but not limited to:
- H&B Employee Discount – 25%
- Bonus
- Pension company contribution
- 33 Days Holiday per year (Inclusive of bank holidays)
- Private Medical Care
- Exclusive benefits, free advice and savings from a range of retailers and providers
- Electric Car Scheme
We’re passionate about helping every colleague thrive across all dimensions of wellbeing, and we’re committed to having a diverse and inclusive workplace. In line with our EPIC values (Expertise, Pioneering, Inclusive, Caring), we embrace and actively celebrate all our colleagues unique and varying experiences, backgrounds, identities and cultures – I am me, we are H&B.
