IPL International Procurement and Logistics
Category Technical Manager - Produce
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About the Role
Join our dynamic Technical Team at IPL Normanton!
We are excited to introduce an opportunity for a Category Technical Manager to join our Produce Packing Facility in Normanton. If you are enthusiastic and eager to contribute to a fast-paced team, this is the role for you!
As a Category Technical Manager, your role will focus on supporting the Produce business while ensuring balanced technical arguments are integrated into decision-making, specifications are fit for purpose, and implementation is seamless.
Position Details
- Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Location: IPL Normanton, with flexibility to travel across the UK and overseas supplier base as required
- Contract Type: Permanent
Key Responsibilities
Technical Specifications & Compliance
- Manage ASDA/IPL specifications, ensuring communication across the business and supplier base to confirm that goods meet quality standards.
- Conduct audits and enforce due diligence controls on suppliers, maintaining an updated list of compliant providers.
- Collaborate with ASDA/IPL QA teams to monitor adherence to technical specifications at packing sites.
Technical Leadership & Corrective Actions
- Utilise customer feedback, data analysis, and trend reports to implement corrective measures aligned with IPL’s technical KPIs.
- Influence buying decisions regarding supplier selection and supply calendars, ensuring the highest quality products at competitive prices are consistently available.
- Oversee the execution of the new product and varietal plan, working closely with procurement teams.
Sustainability & Legal Compliance
- Work with the GNFR team to implement solutions for reducing/removing packaging to minimise EPR charges across the supplier base.
- Monitor industry developments that could affect product safety, quality, legality, or availability, proactively mitigating risks.
- Support Responsible Sourcing objectives, acting as the supplier liaison to align suppliers with sustainability goals, including engagement with NGOs and government organisations.
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Team Management & Supplier Relations
- Manage technologists and technical administrators, fostering career development and successor planning.
- Regularly visit ASDA suppliers and stores to:
- Monitor quality standards
- Engage with store teams and suppliers
- Drive improvements in product perception within operational scope.
What We’re Looking For
We seek a guardian of product safety, quality, and legality for ASDA’s salad products, with the following qualifications and experience:
Essential
- Experience in a technical role within a retail food business (fresh produce experience is beneficial but not mandatory).
- Proven ability to audit third-party vendors and conduct internal audits.
- Strong ability to translate technical complexities into simple, actionable language.
- Agile and disciplined, capable of prioritising workload for self and team members.
- Commercially minded, maintaining rigorous quality focus.
- Logical problem solver with evidence-based decisions and positioning influence.
- A full UK driving licence and access to a personal vehicle (travel is frequent, including international trips).
Desirable
- HACCP Level 3 certification and internal/audit training.
- Experience with BRC Lead Assessor roles.
- In-depth knowledge of the entire project lifecycle.
What’s In It For You?
At IPL, Forza & Kober, we nurture growth, encourage collaboration, and offer a supportive work environment.
Competitive Benefits Package
- 15% Asda In-Store Discount
- Annual Bonus Scheme
- 33 Days Annual Leave (includes 8 bank holiday days)
- Enhanced pension scheme
- Life Assurance (cover of 4x annual base salary)
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Health & Wellbeing
- Help@Hand – Comprehensive support including 24/7 UK GP consultations, physiotherapy, and mental health services.
- Grocery Aid – Access to emotional, practical, and financial support for colleagues and their families.
Lifestyle & Financial Perks
- Electric Vehicle Scheme
- Asda Mobile Discount (30% off bundles/add-ons for colleagues and dependents)
- Discounted health assessments (exclusive BUPA deals)
- 10% Asda Pet Insurance discount
Additional Support
- Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB) – Fee-free, no-obligation advice
- Exclusive exchange rates (via Asda Travel Money)
- Ride-to-work scheme (discounts on bikes, clothing, and equipment via Evans)
- Care Concierge service (legal/mental health support)
Further benefits vary by job band and may include private healthcare, car allowances, and long-term incentive schemes.
About Us
Our Purpose
IPL, Forza & Kober operate under a unified commitment: deliver exceptional value for customers. Our mission is to support Asda’s marketplace growth, retaining our #2 position through innovation and excellence.
Our Values
We are a collaborative community, celebrating diverse talents and fostering individual development. Our inclusive culture embodies diversity across all demographics, ensuring every voice is valued.
Diversity & Inclusion
We welcome applications from all backgrounds, guaranteeing equal opportunity and restructuring support for colleagues. Let us continue growing together—
Note:* Benefits subject to job band eligibility. Benefits are reinforced to reflect progression. #ApplyNow!
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