Cafédirect have an exciting opportunity for a Technical Manager (FIXED TERM CONTRACT TO COVER MATERNITY) to join their team at their Roastery in Meltham.  They have been working directly with small-scale farmer cooperatives for over 30 years to create a truly sustainable and ethical business. It’s our long-term partnerships that make life better for our partners and a better cup of coffee. We provide trade for small-scale farmers and deliver impact through our unique model: fair prices, equitable social and environmental premiums and investing in Producers Direct, a non-profit enterprise led by farmers for farmers. Our responsible growth also sets an example to others about how business can be a force for positive change.Working Hours & Benefits:Flexible working with a minimum of 3 days on site (HD9)21 days annual leave per year + statutory bank holidays (pro rata)Stakeholder pension schemeAnnual leave purchase scheme1 x well being day per annumDiscount on Company ProductsEdenred Discount PlatformThe role will be to provide high quality and knowledgeable technical expertise and advice to Cafédirect, leading key processes to support the delivery of the business strategy.  To ensure brand diligence is maintained in all operational activities in the business. Drive food safety and quality assurance for both the Meltham production site and processor partners.To provide technical and quality support to the Cafedirect production site, overseeing the Quality Team

• Support the Quality Manager on site, to manage the food safety and quality management system
• Support the Quality Manager in implementing policies and procedures that ensure all manufactured products and traded goods are produced to the required specification and customer requirements
• Work with the Coffee Program Manager to monitor and maintain the technical and quality aspects of the blends and roast profiles within the Roastery

To provide technical expertise to ensure Cafédirect’s full compliance with all necessary food, safety, environmental and legislative standards.

• Complete and send documents/reports required by customers (KPIs third-party certificates, allergens questionnaires, supplier questionnaires)
• Gather 3rd party certificates and reports for all third-party suppliers
• Ensure quality management, technical due diligence and crisis management procedures, including product recall, are in place in all Cafédirect’s processes
• Manage all internal third-party audits (FLO-Cert, Soil Association, IOA) and waste packaging submissions

To manage the technical relationship between Cafédirect and its Processor Partners to ensure the agreed quality of service is obtained at a competitive cost.

• Develop a strong working relationships and knowledge of Processor Partner production capabilities and limitations
• Undertake regular factory audits of our processor partners to ensure adherence to the standards laid down with a minimum requirement of meeting BRC accreditation. Put in place corrective actions/programs as required

Support the Marketing Team and Procurement Manager in product development.

• Act as a centre of excellence within Cafédirect to drive the benefits of technical innovation (product and packaging)
• Work closely with the Marketing Team, on both NPD and EPD (e.g. technical and environmental improvements/quality upgrades/value engineering). Liaise with Processor Partners on development programmes and project manage as required
• Work with the Impact Team to gather data for Carbon Mapping projects

Provide strategic technical support to other business functions

• Operate as a conduit of external technical developments within the hot beverage industry and communicate regularly with the Cafédirect team to ensure they are kept up to date on relevant opportunities.
• Lead the supply chain team’s input into the BCorp re certification and ongoing improvements

PERSON SPECIFICATIONEssential Requirements

• Degree in a scientific or technical discipline
• Minimum of 3 years technical experience in industry or retail, including HACCP L3 Qualification
• Recent working experience of BRC and HACCP standards and food, packaging and waste legislation
• Good communication, negotiation and commercial skills and strong ability to work cross functionally
• Ability to think, contribute strategically and manage and focus at a detailed level
• Highly literate with good IT skills in Microsoft Office
• Results orientated and flexible self-starter 
• Experience with UK retailers and food service specifications systems
• Good at planning and organising workload to meet deadlines
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Be able to travel in the UK and Internationally as and when required
• Desire to work in an ethical trading environment

Desirable Requirements

• Hot beverage industry experience
• Recent working knowledge of Fairtrade and Soil Association standards
• Experience in environmental practices
• Experience of working with international supply chains