Responsible for the management of ingredients within the following categories Sugar, Non Sucrose Sweeteners, Cocoa, Chocolate, Confectionery, Nuts, Molasses and Fruit for the EMEA business unit.Sourcing of new raw materials.Global transformation of ingredient portfolios.Data validation and management for SAP.

Responsibility for the identification, validation and approval of key product, and where applicable ingredient profit improvement initiatives, to deliver a 10% reduction in overall ingredient expenditure, and to address the present upward trend in commodity prices.

Responsibility for the planning and completion of detailed plant health surveys, and where applicable identification of the symptoms of infection by Phytophthora ramorum and Phytophthora kernoviae within public and private owned parks, gardens and the wider environment, across the counties of Devon, Somerset and Dorset.Management and statutory control of the spread of Phytophthora ramorum and Phytophthora kernoviae infection, through the development of effective working relationships with public and private land owning organisations and individuals, to ensure that the necessary control measures are implemented taking into consideration all pertinent site factors, and that such control measures are effectively monitored.Working with land owners and the general public to improve the understanding, impact and controls which will restrict the spread of Phytophthora ramorum and Phytophthora kernoviae within public and private parks and gardens and the wider environment.The completion and issuing following confirmation of Phytophthora ramorum or Phytophthora kernoviae infection of statutory enforcement and control notices under the relevant United Kingdom plant health orders.The generation and management of site survey reports and client record files.

Responsibility for the management of key ingredient and product profit improvement initiatives from initial concept, through factory verification trials to final implementation following approval.Implementation of key cost saving initiatives. Total projects savings generated in excess of £900k per annum. The provision of critical inputs to raw material suppliers during the development process of new or revised ingredient formulations to ensure delivery of the business objectives.The completion of comprehensive manufacturing site and systems approval audits for raw material and finished goods suppliers.The management of co-packer development projects from a new product development and technical management perspective ensuring timely delivery of the projects through to launch working closely with all relevant functions including the co-packers and their representatives.Project team member in the commissioning and installation of a complete new processing line with a project cost of £2.5 million, which was delivered on time and to cost. Worked with key research partners in the development of the initial concept idea to approval and the subsequent validation and generation of the agreed manufacturing processing specification. One of three co-inventors listed on the subsequent product and process patent.Generation of Retailer Own Label customer specifications.Representative for the management team on the site Consultation and Involvement committee.

Responsibility for the implementation and maintenance of quality systems documentation required for ISO 9001 accreditation. Also, to ensure that quality management systems were in place, and maintained to meet the individual retail own label customer quality system standards for approval to supply. The day to day management of quality control and plant hygiene throughout the manufacturing facility, through four direct reports. Management of EHO / TSO visits and enquiries.The management of third party audit approval process and the undertaking where necessary of raw material supplier technical audits. The development in conjunction with sales of confectionery sauces and inclusions to meet the requirements of the dairy and ice cream industries.