about us

itsu is the Asian-inspired quick service & grocery brand with a compelling vision and global opportunity.

Founded in 1997, itsu is the result of 20 years of innovation across 70+ busy sites.

Itsu [grocery] offers exciting and enticing high-quality Asian-inspired foods [online and in supermarkets] and has quickly become one of the leading brands in that specific group. Yet, it is still the beginning and the business has huge global ambitions.

scope of the role

itsu [grocery] is now looking for a bright, ambitious and enthusiastic Category Technical Manager to join our technical department. The successful candidate will report directly to the Head of Technical, working closely with suppliers to help drive the company’s high standard and maintain compliance with our quality management system.

Overarching

• Responsible for the quality, safety, legality and authenticity of itsu [grocery] products and supplier performance.
• Support the technical team in maintaining the Food safety & quality management system and ensure AA Grade certification against the BRC A&B standard is maintained.
• Support the Head of Technical in creating the technical strategy, implementation and embedding within the supply base. Including leading on key projects to drive improvement.
• Line manager to technical executive and creating a development plan for progression.

Supply chain 

• Conduct approval and routine audits for itsu [grocery]’s manufacturing sites, approve and onboard new suppliers and provide ongoing supplier performance management.
• Create strategic Technical plans with key suppliers
• Maintain our supplier approval and SEDEX database, ensuring certificates and questionnaires are completed and up to date at all times with food safety and ethical risks effectively managed.
• Conduct risk assessment on product range to determine the frequency of testing. Supporting the Technical Executive with ongoing monitoring of product quality, safety and authenticity through routine surveillance testing (covering nutritionals, claim validation, micro, chemical and authenticity testing), shelf-life evaluation and organoleptic testing. Interpret results, action and rectify any non-conformance with the supplier as a result of ongoing monitoring.
• Analyse and interpret trends in customer complaints and conduct investigations with suppliers where necessary to identify the root cause and put relevant corrective actions in place. Drive continuous improvement with suppliers to achieve a reduction in consumer complaints. 

Product Development

• Embedding the NPD launch process and covering all technical aspects ensuring any technical issues with projects are foreseen and resolved prior to launch.
• Completing and maintaining product specifications across the itsu [grocery] portfolio, ensuring signed off products are safe, legal and all product quality attributes are captured. 
• Reviewing and approving legal labelling for new and existing products.
• Attend production trials and first productions.

the ideal candidate

• A minimum of 6 - 8 years of technical/ quality management experience required
• Qualified to degree level in food science or a similar subject
• Knowledge of EU food legislation and labelling requirements
• Understanding of the requirements for GFSI accreditations
• Internal & external auditing experience
• Have excellent attention to detail
• Be able to work in a small team and individually
• Have a passion for food

preferred

• Experience of working at a manufacturing site
• Experience in working with international suppliers (specifically Asian suppliers preferred)

perks and benefits

• Competitive salary
• Competitive bonus scheme
• 25 days holiday
• A great work-space with a ‘start-up’ feel in Central London
• Health insurance
• Company pension scheme
• The chance to work directly with the co-founder of itsu & Pret
• 50% employee discount in itsu shops
• Free itsu lunch 
• Discounts at major retailers