Senior Raw Materials Technologist

Senior Raw Materials Technologist - Food Industry: A Detailed Review for Aspiring Candidates

This Senior Raw Materials Technologist position within Bakkavor Meals London presents a compelling opportunity for experienced food industry professionals looking to make a significant impact. Situated at the Bakkavor Meals site in Park Royal, West London, this role is ideal for individuals driven by a desire for continuous improvement and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality and safety in the food sector.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Career Growth and Ambition: Bakkavor emphasizes a culture of personal and professional development, stating, "We believe in fueling ambition and guiding success. In supporting everyone with talent and drive to own what they do, realize their potential, and build a brilliant future for themselves at Bakkavor." This indicates a strong organizational commitment to nurturing talent and providing pathways for advancement.
• Leadership and Influence: As a Senior Technologist, you will be instrumental in leading and motivating a team of raw material technologists. This leadership aspect offers a valuable opportunity to develop management skills and directly influence the quality and effectiveness of raw material processes.
• Strategic Collaboration: The role necessitates close collaboration with various critical departments, including Group Central Technical, Specification, NPD, Buying, Process, and Quality. This cross-functional interaction ensures broad exposure to different aspects of the food production lifecycle and fosters a comprehensive understanding of the business.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Bakkavor offers a robust benefits package that goes beyond the standard. This includes:
  • Competitive salary
  • Life Assurance
  • Generous holiday allowance (25 days)
  • Staff Shop access
  • Stakeholder Pension Scheme
  • MyBargains Discount Platform
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Private Medical Insurance (after 5 years of service)
  • Free Car Parking
  • A range of voluntary benefits, catering to diverse personal needs.
• Impactful Role: You will be directly responsible for ensuring that all raw materials meet stringent customer, business unit, and legal requirements. This includes overseeing supplier quality assurance, managing risk evaluations, and ensuring the integrity of quality and safety systems.
• Stable and Permanent Position: This is a permanent, fully site-based role with a consistent Monday-Friday schedule (8:30 am - 5:00 pm), offering stability and predictability.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Site-Based Commitment: The role is described as "Fully Site based" at the Park Royal location. Candidates should be comfortable with this requirement and ideally reside within a commutable distance to West London.
• Dynamic Environment: Bakkavor Meals London is a substantial operation, with three factories and a distribution center employing over 2,000 people. The "busy and exciting role" suggests a fast-paced environment that requires adaptability and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Proactive Risk Management: A significant aspect of this role involves risk assessment and the implementation of corrective actions. Candidates should possess strong analytical skills and a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating potential risks associated with raw materials.
• Communication and Stakeholder Management: Effective communication, both written and oral, is crucial for this role. You will be interacting with internal teams at all levels, as well as external suppliers and potentially customers. The ability to clearly articulate technical information and influence others will be essential.
• Technical Proficiency: A solid understanding of food industry technical standards, including HACCP Level 3 (or higher), GMP, and quality management systems, is a prerequisite. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access) and experience with specification systems are also highlighted as important.
• Flexibility: The job description mentions a "flexible approach to the role and the hours required as dictated by the business needs." While the standard hours are Monday-Friday, candidates should be prepared for occasional adjustments to meet operational demands.

Guidance for Career Path:

This Senior Raw Materials Technologist role is an excellent step for individuals seeking to deepen their expertise in raw material quality and supplier management within the food industry. It offers the chance to move into a leadership position, contribute to strategic technical decisions, and play a vital role in a market-leading organization. By demonstrating drive, enthusiasm, and a commitment to upholding high standards, candidates can leverage this opportunity to further their careers in technical management and quality assurance within the fast-moving consumer goods sector.