dpsM&S has grown to become a market leader in the sourcing, production, and distribution of fresh produce to some of the UK's leading retailers. We pride ourselves on the way we do business and understand that we are successful because of our people. We are dedicated to developing the best people and pride ourselves on doing business the right way — operating responsibly to maximise our positive social and ethical impacts and minimise our environmental footprint. Our Group Responsible Sourcing team is looking for a Technical Compliance Manager based in our Bearsted office, working full-time.

The role will take ownership of compliance across a wide range of products, geographies, and suppliers, ensuring food safety, ethical due diligence, and monitoring environmental impacts. The postholder will manage and develop the dps M&S compliance team, drive continuous improvement, and provide clear direction to ensure compliance standards are achieved and maintained.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the dps M&S Technical Compliance team, setting priorities and ensuring delivery of objectives.
• Take ownership of supplier due diligence processes, ensuring accurate information is collated, reviewed, and maintained across internal and customer platforms.
• Oversee supplier approval processes and compliance onboarding, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Complete supplier risk assessments and ensure compliance is monitored effectively throughout supply periods for all product categories.
• Oversee chemical surveillance testing schedules for business unit supplier arrivals, ensuring effective monitoring for the dps M&S supply base.
• Direct supplier recall and traceability exercises to verify compliance systems.
• Maintain and ensure accuracy of approved supplier lists for both internal systems and customer requirements.
• Develop and implement compliance procedures and internal guidance to ensure consistency and alignment with customer expectations.
• Provide clear reporting of compliance performance and sustainability KPIs to senior stakeholders, highlighting risks and solutions. 
• Work closely with Technical Managers, Procurement, and Commercial teams to ensure compliance and sustainability objectives are integrated into wider business operation. 
• Lead the preparation and execution of customer audits and quarterly HACCP reviews.

Key skills and experience

• Proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Power BI, and PowerPoint.
• Educated to university degree level, preferably in Food Science, Environmental management or Environmental Science or other Science background.
• Experience in fresh produce is preferable.
• Proven experience in team management with a strong track record of effective leadership. 
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively with stakeholders across all levels and disciplines.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Strong work ethic, deadline-focused.