Supplier Quality Assurance Technologist - THG Nutrition

About the role

THG is seeking a dedicated Supplier Quality Assurance Technologist to join our Nutrition team based in Manchester. This role is essential in maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality across our supply chain. You will be responsible for working closely with suppliers and internal departments to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and internal quality standards. Your efforts will support the development and continuous improvement of our supplier approval processes, ensuring that all raw materials, packaging, and manufacturing partners meet strict safety criteria. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a rapidly growing global organization, ensuring that our products are safe, compliant, and of the highest quality.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Oversee the supplier approval process for raw materials, packaging, and contract manufacturing, ensuring that all suppliers meet safety, quality, and compliance standards.
• Maintain and improve supplier approval procedures, ensuring that all relevant documentation, certifications, and compliance records are accurate, up-to-date, and readily available for audits.
• Review and assess supplier specifications, certifications, and technical documentation to verify compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct detailed food safety risk assessments for new suppliers and ingredients during onboarding, identifying potential hazards and recommending mitigation strategies.
• Analyze technical data, including lab results and supplier documentation, to support decisions related to food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure that supplier data, including certifications, specifications, and audit reports, are accurate, complete, and accessible to support compliance with relevant standards and regulations.
• Provide technical support during new product development, ensuring that raw materials and ingredients meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards before approval.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to foster continuous improvement, minimize risks, and ensure timely resolution of issues.
• Monitor supplier performance through key metrics and data analysis, identifying trends, potential risks, and opportunities for process improvements.
• Assist in developing and implementing supplier compliance systems, including documentation, audit procedures, and corrective action plans.
• Prepare and support internal and external audit processes related to supplier quality and compliance, ensuring readiness and adherence to standards such as BRCGS or ISO.
• Collaborate closely with Procurement, Quality, and other relevant departments to ensure alignment and compliance throughout the supply chain.
• Stay updated on industry regulations, standards, and best practices related to food safety, supplier approval, and quality assurance.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing supplier quality management systems and reducing food safety risks.
• Participate in supplier audits, both internal and external, to verify compliance and identify areas for improvement.
• Contribute to training and development activities for team members and suppliers on quality standards and procedures.
• Assist in managing documentation related to supplier approvals, certifications, and compliance records to ensure audit readiness.

Requirements

• A degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related field, or equivalent experience in a technical role within the food industry.
• Proven experience in Supplier Quality Assurance, supplier management, or related roles within food manufacturing or FMCG sectors.
• Strong knowledge of food safety principles, including HACCP, GMP, and relevant regulations governing food safety and quality.
• Experience reviewing supplier documentation, specifications, and certifications for compliance with technical and regulatory standards.
• Familiarity with conducting audits using a risk-based approach and assessing supplier performance.
• Excellent analytical skills to interpret technical data, lab results, and supplier documentation.
• Strong communication skills, capable of building effective relationships with suppliers and internal teams.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, for reporting, data analysis, and documentation purposes.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy and compliance.

Nice to have

• Experience with food safety standards such as BRCGS, ISO, or FDA regulations.
• Knowledge of TACCP (Threat Assessment and Critical Control Points) and VACCP (Vulnerability Assessment and Critical Control Points) principles related to food defense and fraud prevention.
• Auditor qualifications or experience conducting supplier or internal audits.
• Background in sports nutrition, dietary supplements, or functional foods.
• Familiarity with quality management systems and continuous improvement methodologies.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications for reporting, analysis, and documentation.
• Ability to interpret technical and regulatory documentation related to food safety and supplier compliance.
• Strong organizational and project management skills to handle multiple tasks efficiently.
• Effective communication skills for liaising with suppliers and internal teams.

Practical notes

• The role offers a competitive salary package aligned with industry standards.
• Additional benefits include an extra day off for your birthday, access to a company doctor, a free onsite gym at THG headquarters, and employee discounts across THG brands.
• The position provides opportunities for professional development within a rapidly expanding global organization.
• Applications will be reviewed within 14 days; if you do not receive a response within this period, please contact our Talent team for updates.
• We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
• This is an on-site role based in Manchester, UK, and requires working at the company's office location.