Global Technical Manager - Customized Food Programs

Company Description

We are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world. 

Job Description

As Global Technical Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the technical development, deployment, and management of customized audit programs and food certification schemes within Business Assurance, including support, optimization, and acting as the lead technical contact and project manager for assigned Global Key Accounts.

• Under the direction of line manager lead the technical development and management of assigned new and/or existing 2nd party and customized projects.
• Work closely with Global Key Account Managers (GKAMs) to deploy new international food auditing or other customized programs.
• Act as dedicated technical project manager (working alongside the overall GKAM) for one or more of SGS Food Global Key Accounts.
• Be responsible for auditor development, training and calibration for assigned global projects ensuring that auditors and other relevant technical teams are fully conversant with the project and client requirements.
• Work closely with International Solution Managers (ISMs) to support new requests, RFPs and/or the development of new programs/checklist.
• Actively participate in client meetings, leading technical discussions demonstrating a high level of understanding of project status and performance vs client KPIs and able to articulate/present summaries, analytics, challenges/solutions, highlights, etc.
• Act as first point of contact for ISMs and GKAMs for assigned key account(s) and ensure that service execution is consistent and meets client’s overall technical requirements.
• Drive consistency and improvement of Food related SOP’s, processes, practices and capability improvement at a global level.
• Effectively utilize all relevant SGS IT platforms for the delivery of 2nd party and customized solutions.
• Proactively engage with internal and external stakeholders to identify new opportunities for 2nd party or other customized products and services to complement existing global food portfolio.
• Provide technical support and advice to SGS network of affiliates and customers as required.
• Work closely with your line manager to provide required specialist support relating to social media, marketing (incl. PR, website, webinars, etc.) and business development.
• Represent SGS in key industry working groups, technical committees and at other appropriate events as requested by line manager.
• Work closely with line manager to provide specialist support (where required) to Marketing relating to social media, PR, website, webinars, etc. to increase SGS Food profile.

Qualifications

Required experience and qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, microbiology, chemistry or related scientific discipline.
• 5+ years’ experience in Food or related industries and/or technical service provider to the food industry
• Broad experience and thorough understanding of Food safety principles, Food safety and quality management principles, food manufacturing processes and key food safety challenges facing the food sector across different categories.
• A good understanding of codes of practice (e.g. allergen management, labelling, and foreign body detection)
• Excellent understanding of food safety and quality systems in a certification and auditing context
• Ability to think outside the box and deliver creative solutions to company and clients.
• Pragmatic, with proven analytical and problem solving skills
• Attention to detail with ability to multi-task effectively, work under pressure and against agreed deadlines.
• Strong project management experience and ability to manage conflicting priorities across multiple countries or projects
• Business / commercial acumen
• Excellent verbal, presentation and technical writing skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with an ability to interact effectively at all levels within and outside the organization.
• Fluent in the English language
• Proficient in Microsoft suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
• Lead auditor experience in any of the Global Food Safety schemes (e.g. BRCGS, FSSC, IFS, etc) across different product categories
• Experience in developing customized food/food safety auditing programs
• Technical experience in food sustainability solutions, e.g. waste management, circular economy, responsible sourcing, etc.
• Additional language proficiency