Technical Assistant

PLEASE NOTE: As part of our organisational changes, our ongoing structure and roles continue to be reviewed. While this role is being advertised, circumstances may change and the role could be withdrawn/amended.

Applications Close 14th October.

Technical Assistant

At WHSmith Europe our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are the ones that go the extra mile for our customers, the ones that enable our growth. That’s why our Commercial team is passionate about creating an environment where people can be creative and trailblazing in order to do their best work. The Technical Assistant has a fundamental role in developing our product proposition and supporting trading teams to exceed customer expectations.

What you will be doing:

• Day to day processing of supplier& product information for food and non-food products on off line systems or on the foods connected system
• Supporting Technical Manager (TM) & Quality Manager (QM) with scheduling of KPI meetings, attending KPI meetings and ensuring KPI reports are uploaded to Foods connected by suppliers.
• Complaints Support (current off line with view to move to foods connected).
• Managing data within our food service product management systems.
• Label and customer information compliance support.
• Food Analysis Support.
• Support the TM & QM in compiling the food forum and risk committee slides.
• Support TM & QM in scheduling and monitoring of testing schedules and work sent to external consultants as needed.
• Product testing, arranging samples for quality reviews and collating and trending feedback.
• NPD Support including
• Organising samples for testing and providing feedback to suppliers
• Supporting management of NPD gated process with internal and external stakeholders
• Creation of store and customer facing materials for new launches alongside the TM, QM, Operations and buying teams

What we are looking for:

• Would suit a current specifications technologist or food technologist working within food manufacturing or passionate for food and strong administrative skills
• Proficient in Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Preferred experience with retailer specification and supplier systems ideally
• Good understanding of food safety law and legal labelling requirements
• Experience on completing food product specifications desired
• A passion for food and product safety

How we reward our teams:

• Hybrid Working Model from home and in the office
• 4pm Friday Finish
• Flexible Working
• 24 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday
• Family Friendly Leave
• Company Pension scheme
• Annual Bonus based on company and personal performance
• Competitive Salary
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff Discount Card for railway stores (subject to policy)

About us:

Celebrating over 230 years, we’re proud to have grown into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries – the air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey. As a diverse group of over 6,000 colleagues, we’re all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve.

Our business operates from two key locations, In a vibrant area of London, close to Aldgate and Liverpool Street Station, while the other is located at Swindon's International Business Park, just off the M4 with excellent transport links and over 100 on-site parking spaces.

For WHSmith Europe, our mission is simple – to create value for our stakeholders by providing a platform for global brands across airports, hospitals, rail stations and other markets. Our operational environment is fast-paced and highly regulated, requiring exceptional standards of maintenance, compliance, health & safety and colleague welfare across every location.

We’re all about creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can be themselves and do their best. No matter your background, age, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, race or ethnicity, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation or anything else that makes you, you—you’re welcome here.

We’re also open to flexible working where possible, so if that’s something you need, let’s chat. And if you need any adjustments during the selection process, just let our Talent Acquisition team know—we’re happy to help!