Certification Officer - Processor

About our Organisation

Soil Association Certification Ltd exists to accelerate the just transition across food, farming and land use, as a global leader in sustainability certification. We deliver trusted solutions with nature, for people and planet through the certification of high integrity holistic standards. These assurance schemes cover a wide range of sectors including food, forestry, farming, landscape restoration carbon markets, beauty and wellbeing, textiles and catering.

We are recognised and trusted by consumers and businesses around the world, operating in over 60 countries delivering FSC and PEFC certification, and you will also find the Soil Association organic symbol on over 70% of organic products in the UK.

Soil Association Certification is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Soil Association, formed in 1946, which is the only UK charity which works across the spectrum of human health, the environment and animal welfare. That’s because we cannot tackle these issues in isolation.

We campaign for change, we support farming innovation, we serve healthy food in communities, we support and grow the organic market, and we protect forests. We couldn't do any of this without our supporters, partners, donors and dedicated staff. We make a difference in the world where it’s needed the most.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to work on the processor team. This role will be specifically working within the food sector and will see you working with businesses right across the supply chain including importing, manufacturing, wholesaling, storage and retail as well as various brands. Experience of working in the food industry is required for the role and ideally, we’re looking for candidates that already have some experience of working with organics and/or have experience of the organic certification processes.

You will be dealing with all aspects of organic certification for a range of organic food and drink businesses. The role involves managing the ongoing organic certification of these business as well as account management, so you will need to be able develop a technical understanding of the food industry and organic standards as well as be able to build and maintain relationships. Day to day tasks include checking the composition of food and drink products that our licensees would like to make, reviewing inspection reports and answering queries to support our licensees' continued compliance with the organic standards.

About You

The successful candidate will be educated to degree level or have equivalent experience in the food industry. They will also be an excellent relationship builder, highly organised and have an awareness of the commercial demands on food businesses. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are a must, as is computer literacy and a confident approach to service delivery. The ability to provide solutions within tight deadlines are essential as is the ability to prioritise your own workload. Customer service skills are essential, both on the phone and face to face. The role is based in Bristol at the Soil Association office, with some travel expected to conduct account visits, accompany inspections and attend events.

Our Benefits

We offer a range of financial and lifestyle benefits to all our employees, including:

• 27 days annual holiday increasing to 30 days with length of service plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time)

• Pension scheme with ethical investment options and employer contribution increasing with length of service

• Free membership of the Soil Association and discounts on organic produce

• Volunteer days to give back to the local community or support green initiatives

• Family friendly policies and flexible working

• Cycle to work scheme

• Sociable and engaging workplace of professionals that share a passion for healthy, sustainable lifestyle and produce

Hours

37.5 hours per week

Permanent

Location

Bristol with hybrid working (40% office based)