Do you want cutting edge of new product testing technologies and methodologies within the food science arena? 

You will have the opportunity to manage the due diligence and testing programme for one of the top 4 grocery retailers and its own-brand products. You will help lead the risk assessment of scheduled and ad-hoc testing alongside ensuring that Asda stays up to date with emerging technology and testing methods. The role is also key in supporting incident management and Asda Brand policy, alongside maintaining an effective horizon scanning system and supporting the implementation and monitoring of Asda's Food Safety Compliance programme. Primarily focussed on food, there will be some supporting elements in Non-edible grocery categories.

Your role

The ideal candidate will be an experienced microbiologist and have multi-category manufacturing experience and either has worked in retail or be familiar with retail ways of working. The role would also suit someone with previous experience in a similar role gained within Retail, Manufacturing or Regulatory Body environment.

You will manage the Product Testing due diligence programme: responsible for managing and maintain 3rd party product testing contract; including holding the nominated partner to account for delivery against set services and KPIs

You will be responsible for liaising with industry working groups and bodies (e.g. BRC Trade working groups, FIIN) and ensuring the programme develops in-line with industry progression

You will support business programmes and initiatives and provide coaching and advise on product testing and incidents to internal stakeholders, whilst working alongside internal technical teams to manage and maintain an up-to-date risk-based schedule for product testing.

Working alongside the Food Safety Supply Manager for policy, to help create and develop an own-brand policy to drive supplier standards and understanding across both internal and external stakeholders and assists with managing re-tenders or separate 3rd party contracts where necessary

You will be responsible for maintaining and advancing the internal horizon scanning process and systems to monitor potential emerging food safety risks within an evolving regulatory landscape including the UK's exit from the EU;.

Review and evaluate industry incidents and recalls for any potential impact to the Asda business.

Support the Senior Manager and Food Safety Supply team on projects and key responsibilities. 

About you 

• Degree in Microbiology, Food Science or equivalent
• Experience working in a technical, food safety or laboratory role ideally within Retail, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Food Service or Regulatory Body with evidence of establishing and maintaining a 3rd party laboratory testing contract
• Experience of working with regulators/industry bodies, and clear understanding of UKAS accreditation programmes

If flexible working is important to you, then look no further! At Asda, we are proud of our culture and our commitment to flexible working. This role is based at Asda House, Leeds with the flexibility to work from home 2-days per week but with this role you will be expected to out-of-hours to support incident management, through participation on the on-call rota.

You will also get an excellent benefits package including;-

• 5,700 company car or car allowance plus discretionary company bonus
• Company pension up to 7% matched
• 10% colleague discount, free parking and many additional rewards.

We want all colleagues to be able to bring their best and true selves to work, every day. Simply put, we want our colleagues to be Proud to be Asda and proud to be themselves.