Technical Assistant

Founded in 2003 Wasabi's vision is to lovingly create and serve delicious Asian food for a busy nation.

Wasabi now has 41 thriving restaurants across London and major UK cities and 4 in New York and in 2019, we introduced Wasabi Home Bento the grocery channel , launching exclusively in Sainsbury’s . Building on that success, the grocery business broadened its reach to Tesco in September 2022, followed by exciting launches in Co-op and Morrisons in 2024. Wasabi grocery has seen phenomenal growth and is now a £62m RSV brand. Wasabi proudly stands as the No. 2 chilled ready-meal brand in the market , consistently attracting new customers to the category through an innovative East Asian range.

Wasabi’s menu is celebrated for its unique character, exceptional freshness, and bold flavours. Our diverse range is designed to delight a wide audience, delivering both comfort and excitement with every bite.

We have an ambitious 5-year growth strategy, focusing on new restaurants, franchise partnerships, and international expansion

As we prepare for our next phase of growth and innovation, we have an incredibly exciting opportunity for a Technical Assistant in our Central Production Unit in Park Royal.

Role Purpose:

• To provide technical support to the company, by undertaking tasks and duties associated with supplier assurance, raw material specification, legal labelling of finished products and updating of the sites operating system (Business Central)

Ensuring ingredients and finished products and are in-line with the company’s technical requirements & standard, along with required legal legislation. To ensure that all raw materials and suppliers consistently meets Wasabi’s Quality, Safety, Legal and Sustainability Standards Support the company’s ESG objectives by identifying and implementing technical improvements that reduce environmental impact is included

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To carry out risk assessment on all raw material, escalating any issues to senior management. To ensure all raw material’s technical documentation e.g. specification, factory accreditation, CoA (certificate of analysis), HACCP/process flow documents etc. are accurate and up to date, maintaining systems and data to drive continuous improvements for products and quality management systems. To maintain of the supplier portfolio of product specification To liaise with suppliers for any out of specification and non-conformance. To provide support for introduction of new materials or suppliers. To provide support for any changes to existing raw materials or suppliers. To calculate and approve nutritional information for new product/product change using nutritional calculator and update the nutritional traffic light tracker. To calculate and score HFSS for load the data to the retailer tracker. To check and approve legal information on artwork for pre-packed/own brand product. To assist customer service team on answering customer’s queries relating to raw material and recipe. To support technically new/existing product development process, including allergen information for name card and guideline, ingredient and other legal information for product label or display etc. To co-operate with new product development, health & food safety and operation team for information use in branches e.g. recipe card, shelf life and customer information etc. Update and maintain operational systems such as Business Central (BC) as required. To update and check the info to the brand bank website. To update and maintain the Master data, artwork folders and factory paperwork. To work with all required departments (procurement, food team, marking etc) providing technical information and support to ensure compliance against company standards and UK legislation.

THE CANDIDATE

• Graduate (food related) or food safety certificate is preferred. Knowledge of supplier assurance processes and UK/EU food labelling regulations including nutrition is desirable. Proficient IT skills are essential. HACCP Level 3 certification is desired but not essential Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to process and analyse large volumes of data to ensure compliance with company standards. A logical and methodical approach to work, with strong problem-solving and decision- making skills, is highly valued. Strong communication skills, with the confidence to escalate issues to management and communication with external suppliers. Effective time management and the ability to prioritise tasks in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment

In return we provide:

• A great working environment
• Pension scheme
• Target Bonus
• Refer A Friend Scheme
• Free Sushi or hot food (vegan options available)
• 50% discount in our Branches
• Employee Assistant Programme
• Hybrid working model
• Long Service Awards
• Wagestream - a financial wellbeing benefit that lets you access your pay as you earn it in real time and manage savings
• Life Assurance
• Electric Vehicle Scheme through Octopus
• Cycle To Work
• Free on-site parking
• A variety of discounts (shopping, food & drink, entertainment and health & fitness) through Perkbox and
• The opportunity to develop your skills within a growing company.

Our people make us who we are. Join a company where you’ll have the opportunity to work for a growing company and build a real career.

COME ROLL WITH US!