Head of Technical – Product

Contract type: PermanentLocation: Hatfield (Hybrid working – 3 days in the office)Working hours per week: 40 hours – Full-TimeLevel: Head of DepartmentApplication Closing Date: Wednesday, 3rd DecemberAbout UsOur mission is to deliver joy in every shop, through unbeatable choice, unrivalled service, and reassuringly good value.We're Ocado Retail, a market-leading joint venture between Ocado Group and M&S, and the world's largest dedicated online supermarket, ocado.com. Not only is Ocado.com the only place to shop a full range of M&S food online, it's also the home to the widest online supermarket range in the UK and champion of small, independent brands. We're also the brains behind Zoom by Ocado, our same-day grocery delivery service.About The Team And The RoleThe Head of Technical has overall responsibility for product, safety, quality and legality for the Ocado Own Brand range, as well as indirect responsibility for M&S and Branded products. This includes ongoing management of surveillance programmes and supplier due diligence. The role is responsible for the Product Technical Managers as well as the Compliance Team. In addition, the role has responsibility for managing all regulatory and governmental relationships.What You'll DoManage the successful launch of the technical elements of Ocado Own Brand products through the Technical Manager communityManaging and overseeing all Product Safety, Supplier management, Product quality, compliance and both internal and external reportingDeliver and maintain the Quality Management system, including all technical governance policies and procedures for all products, with a particular focus on Ocado's Own brandEnsure all Technical KPI targets are managed and reported against at the leadership levelLead the Own Brand Technical team and Compliance teamLead incidents and manage the complaints teamContinuous improvement of the Quality Management systemOwn the Own Brand product specification systemKeep up to date on all relating regulatory and technical challenges needed to ensure the Own Brand range is safe, legal and compliant at all times.AccountabilitiesImplementing and retaining the company's high technical standards across all categoriesDeveloping and maintaining a high-performing teamEngaging with stakeholders to maintain Product Safety, Compliance and Quality in everything we do.Managing the own-brand supply base forProduct Quality monitoring and improvement plansMaintain quality against QAS benchmark standardsSupplier auditMaintain the agreed product marginBuilding strong partnerships and developing efficient ways of working with the Own Brand supply baseDevelop rigorous benchmarking and performance monitoring processesOngoing supplier risk assessmentEngage on the Own Brand supply base forSustainabilitySourcing with integrity, including Human RightsEngage a wider supply base forManage branded product accuracyManage small branded suppliers to review and control supplier and product riskOversee technical elements of product setup across brands and the Ocado Own brandWho You AreSubstantial experience in both Retail Technical Management and Manufacturing Food Technology Degree (or similar)HACCP Level 4 qualified (desirable)Level 4 Food Hygiene Certificate (desirable)Lead Auditor qualified (desirable or equivalent experience)Adept in product risk and crisis managementExperience in writing and embedding policyDemonstrable Microbiological Risk ManagementPeople management experienceAbility to interpret data and act upon itAdaptability and flexibility in an ever-changing environmentFocus on quality, accuracy and attention to detailHighly organised and self-motivatedEmbedded knowledge of food law and product lawWhat's In It For YouBy joining Ocado Retail, you'll have the chance to experience life at the world's largest online retailer, work with an amazing bunch of people who challenge what's possible each day, and grow your skills and career in online retail.If that's not enough to tempt you, you'll also get access to loads of great benefits to sweeten the deal. Here's a taste of what we offer:Health & Wellbeing: Private medical insurance with option to add your family, Digital GP appointments, market-leading family policies, mental health support, discounted gym memberships, dental insurance, and more.Spend & Save: Annual bonus scheme split between personal and business objectives, recognition with reward platform, up to 7% matched pension contributions, 15% Ocado discount, 20% M&S discount, free breakfast every day in the office, electric vehicle leasing scheme, and free shuttle bus from Hatfield station to the office.Never miss the moments that matter: Hybrid working, 26 days holiday plus 8 flexible bank holidays, options to buy extra holiday, 2 weeks work from anywhere, and lifestyle break opportunities.Our Hiring ProcessLucky for us, we receive a high volume of applications and genuinely appreciate the time and effort invested by every candidate. To ensure a fair and thorough process, every application is reviewed by a member of our team. If your skills and experience are a strong match, a Talent Partner will contact you to discuss the role and guide you through the next steps of our hiring process.Your Application and AIIn the spirit of innovation, we welcome you to use AI tools in your application, just as we use them in our own business at Ocado Retail. However, as you leverage this technology, please don't lose sight of the most important element: your unique self. Your experiences, passions, and personality are what truly set you apart. Ensure that your application still authentically conveys who you are and why you're a great fit for us.Everyone's welcomeWe're an equal opportunities employer, which means that we make sure all potential colleagues are treated fairly and equally. We want to ensure everyone has a fair chance to apply; if you need this job description in an alternative format (e.g., larger print, different document type, etc.), please reach out to us at careers@ocadoretail.com and we'll be happy to assist you, and if you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know on the application form.