Raw Material Technologist

Overview: Zenith Advisory Partners are working with an established business near Newthorpe that are seeking a proactive Raw Materials Technologist to join their team. The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years’ experience in similar role in a food manufacturing environment, whilst ideally having a bachelors degree in food science. The salary on offer is £32,000, plus 28 days on annual leave (which includes bank holidays) which increases with length of service, death in service and progression opportunities. Please note: This role is office based Key Responsibilities: Oversee the onboarding and ongoing management of suppliers, ensuring all raw materials and ingredients delivered to site meet the required quality and specification standards. Take ownership of the raw material approval process, ensuring all necessary checks and documentation are completed before materials are accepted. Work alongside the Purchasing and New Product Development teams to assess potential risks associated with introducing new raw materials or ingredients. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of material and packaging specifications, supplier questionnaires, certifications and supporting documentation, including BRC, ISO and GFSI requirements. Build and maintain effective working relationships with suppliers, monitoring their performance against agreed KPIs and helping to resolve any issues that arise. Respond to customer queries relating to ingredients, raw materials and packaging, ensuring information is provided accurately and within agreed timescales. Liaise directly with suppliers to review, clarify and agree raw material specifications, making sure all relevant requirements are understood. Work closely with the wider Specifications team to ensure consistent processes, accurate records and compliance across all specification systems. Maintain full traceability of raw materials, including chain of custody documentation and any provenance or product origin claims. Assist the Product Development team with the preparation and submission of finished product specifications, ensuring these are uploaded correctly and approved within required deadlines. Ensure all new materials and ingredients have successfully completed the necessary trials and approval stages before they are added to purchasing specifications. Support the preparation, maintenance and uploading of supplier and product information onto the company's specification management system. Act as a key point of support for the Product Development team, providing guidance and assistance as a super user of the specification system. Identify and raise supplier non-conformances where necessary, taking responsibility for following up with suppliers and ensuring corrective actions are completed. Keep informed of changes to food labelling legislation, industry standards and food safety regulations, ensuring these are reflected in relevant specifications and processes. Monitor supplier Quality Assurance documentation (QAS), ensuring all materials have valid, current and approved records in place. Work alongside the Goods In team to review incoming material and packaging checks, making sure inspection procedures are appropriate and meet customer, quality and food safety requirements. Skills & Experience Required: Experience in a similar role in a food manufacturing environment Advanced Excel skills and experience in specification systems A high attention to detail. Experience working in a fast paced environment. Strong communication skills. Good standard of English & is numerate Ideally a degree level (or equivalent) in Food Ideally Advanced level HACCP Ideally Advanced Food Hygiene Skills to be adaptable and can support other members of the technical team when required. Works well under pressure. xjnqpsq High attention to detail to ensure quality standards are met. Enjoys working independently and as part of a wider developing and growing team What's on Offer: Salary up to £32,000, depending on experience. Opportunities to progress 28 days of annual leave (including bank holidays) (will rise with service) Company pension Life assurance