SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 95,000 employees, we operate a network of more than 2,400 offices and laboratories around the world.

We aim to be the most competitive and the most productive service organization in the world. Our core competencies in inspection, verification, testing and certification are being continuously improved to be best-in-class. They are at the heart of what we are.

Job Title: Head of Food Assurance Service's

Job Type: Permanent 

Hours: 37.5 per week

Job Location: Across UK

Travel: Required as part of role

Salary: As Head of Food Assurance Service's, you’ll receive a competitive Salary, depending on experience, plus you’ll benefit from a 20% performance bonus private health cover, a contributory pension scheme and life cover.

As Head of Food Assurance Services' you’ll be responsible for: 

• Lead and drive the, strategic, operational and commercial development of the UK Food Assurance business.
• Drive the continued growth and development of Food Assurance service portfolio in line with the global Food Assurance strategy and budgetary expectations. 
• Lead the delivery of food assurance services to ensure high quality standards and excellent customer service. 

Key Accountabilities;

• Define strategy and roadmap for the growth of UK Food Assurance business including GFSI Food Certification and customized solutions, including audits, voluntary certification schemes and training programs in line with the overall Food Assurance strategic development plan.
• Ensure sustainable revenue growth (organic and inorganic) in line with budgeted revenue targets in Food P&L in the UK.
• Own and manage the Food Assurance P&L ensuring a clear, competitive and profitable pricing structure and effective use of marketing and associated spend to deliver for the food business.
• Lead a team of direct reports including the UK Food Technical & Operations Manager, Farm Audits Manager and Food Sales Manager, ensuring the team remains motivated and performs to a high standard.
• Responsible for all people management aspects of the team including recruitment, objective setting and performance appraisals, coaching and training.
• Maximise revenue generation opportunities by identifying areas for cross-selling and upselling to existing and potential new clients.
• Liaise closely with the UK Divisional Marketing and Sales Managers to develop and implement successful marketing and sales plans which will raise SGS Food profile externally in the UK Food industry and contribute to growth objectives.
• Work collaboratively with the Food Testing Business Manager in the UK to ensure cross-selling opportunities are maximise and SGS unique portfolio of farm to fork services is showcased.
• Liaise closely with the Global Food Assurance team to ensure alignment with global food strategy and adherence to global procedures and practices.

To be successful in this role, you’ll need (extensive and) recent experience:

• Significant recent experience of managing / leading a successful, professional technical team within the Food sector
• A proven track record of successfully growing a business to meet challenging commercial targets
• Line management of teams within a fast paced, customer focused business, including managing under performance and engagement challenges
• Previous success in a commercial sales role, demonstrating a results driven approach at all times

In addition to the above you’ll also need to demonstrate the following;

• Proven ability to lead and motivate a successful team who achieve shared objectives
• Technical expertise in the food sector, with a strong aptitude to convert strategy into results
• Highly commercially minded
• Understand Audit and Accreditation concepts
• Ability to encourage, develop and instill a service-oriented mindset and culture within a business
• Ability to interact productively with all levels of management, with internal and external consultants and existing and potential clients
• Bachelor’s degree in food science, microbiology, chemistry or related scientific discipline
• Full Driving License for use in the UK

The following attributes would be desirable, but not essential;

• Masters in a business or commercial field, MBA
• ISO Lead Auditor/Tutor
• Professional Teaching/training qualification
• Experience of managing a business and a team through a significant period of change
• Previous experience of working in an environment in which negotiation and persuasion have been key to business success, both with external clients and internal stakeholders
• A strong track record in a customer focused environment, anticipating future and additional customer needs and in finding innovative and creative solutions which are of value to customers
• Experience of working with GFSI schemes within the Food sector.

APPLY NOW for full consideration, you can be sure that your application will be treated confidentially and impartially, and you will always receive an update within 10 business days