PURPOSE & IMPACT:  Accountable for ensuring the quality, food safety, regulatory compliance, and integrity of raw materials, packaging, and co-manufactured products within one of Nomad Foods’ buying segments: Fish & Co-Manufactured Products, Vegetables & Meat, or Ingredients & Packaging. The role safeguards Nomad Foods’ brand and consumers by implementing supplier assurance systems, processes, and ways of working defined by the Head of Supplier Assurance, whilst proactively managing supplier risk and driving continuous improvement across the assigned supplier base.

TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP

• Act as technical owner and subject matter expert for designated segment
• Support delivery of procurement strategy for designated segment whilst ensuring food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance
• Work closely with the Head of Supplier Assurance to develop and embed the Supplier Assurance Programme

SUPPLIER ASSURANCE & COMPLIANCE

• Implement and operate the agreed supplier assurance frameworks, standards, and processes across the assigned segment
• Ensure all suppliers are appropriately evaluated, approved, onboarded, and maintained in line with Nomad Foods requirements
• Maintain oversight of supplier compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards
• Ensure all suppliers meet Nomad Foods quality, sustainability and CSR standards
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date supplier assurance documentation (risk assessments, self-assessment questionnaires, certification status etc)

SUPPLIER RISK MANAGEMENT

• Conduct and maintain supplier risk assessments relating to quality, food safety and integrity, ensuring controls are proportionate and risk-based, whilst demonstrating due diligence and protecting our brand
• Identify emerging risks and vulnerabilities within the supplier base and escalate where appropriate
• Ensure mitigation plans are defined, implemented, and monitored for higher-risk, red rated or underperforming suppliers

QUALITY ASSURANCE & MONITORING

• Deploy risk-based monitoring, sampling, and testing programmes in line with agreed policies and protocol
• Analyse supplier performance data, complaints, and trends to prevent recurrence and drive improvement
• Support consistent quality performance across existing products, changes, and NPD introductions

SUPPLIER AUDITS & PERFORMANCE

• Manage supplier audit activity, including pre-approval feasibility audits and investigatory audits arising from incidents or complaints
• Liaise with third party audit providers to ensure audits are planned, delivered, and followed up effectively
• Own the development, delivery and closure of supplier quality improvement plans

INCIDENT & ISSUE MANAGEMENT

• Lead investigation and resolution of supplier related quality, food safety, or contaminant issues within the segment
• Ensure timely root cause analysis, corrective actions, and verification of effectiveness
• Support product incident management, working closely with Head of Supplier Assurance and cross functional teams

CROSS FUNCTIONAL COLLABORATION

• Act as the Supplier Assurance SMEs for the assigned segment, partnering closely with Procurement, RDQ, Manufacturing and other Supply Chain teams
• Partner with Procurement and RDQ teams to provide proactive Technical Support and risk management for seamless delivery of product launch plans
• Liaise with FSQR Regulatory Team to understand and assess emerging issues, legislative changes, and industry trends impacting the assigned buying segment; Proactively identify potential risks and opportunities and communicate implications to relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance and strategic alignment
• Provide risk based input to supplier selection, sourcing decisions, and NPD activity
• Support factories in maintaining GFSI compliance during audits, focusing on supplier assurance and food fraud/authenticity management
• Balance assurance rigour with commercial and operational realities to enable business performance

SME SUPPORT TO PROCUREMENT & R&D

• Acts as a trusted Subject Matter Expert to Procurement and R&D teams, particularly in relation to suppliers supporting New Product Development (NPD) and other innovation initiatives
• Provides risk-based guidance on supplier evaluation & selection, ensuring FSQR requirements are embedded early in the product design and sourcing process

TEAM MANAGEMENT

• Create and manage a high performing and highly engaged team, coaching and developing individuals, and managing performance, development and talent conversations appropriately

• Degree In Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, or a related discipline
• Extensive experience in food safety, quality assurance, and supplier assurance within FMCG or food manufacturing
• Segment specific experience (e.g. dairy technology, meat technology etc).
• HACCP/ Food Safety Level 4
• Understanding of food safety management systems (e.g. GFSI schemes), regulatory frameworks, and risk based assurance models
• Strong audit, risk assessment, and incident management expertise
• Ability to influence cross-functional senior stakeholders and external partners
• Experience working with third party audit providers and global certification bodies
• Exposure to NPD, innovation pipelines, and early stage supplier engagement
• Continuous improvement mindset