This week, as part of our ‘Meet the Team’ series, we are proud to introduce you to some of our incredible colleagues from across our technical teams, giving you an insight into their career journey with The Compleat Food Group. Read their full interviews below.
Meet Lydia Buhagiar – Technical Services Manager
When did you join TCFG?
I joined The Compleat Food Group in August 2023 at our Riverside Bakery. I have really enjoyed my time here so far! My colleagues at site have been very welcoming and I have become part of the team very quickly. I have grown so much since starting at TCFG and continuing to learn about the different aspects of Technical at Riverside.
How long have you worked in Technical?
I have worked in Technical for almost 4 years with experience predominantly in chilled meal solutions. Firstly, as a Technical Placement Student as part of my university degree, next as Supplier Approval Co-ordinator at a Group Technical level at my previous company and now as Technical Services Manager at the Riverside Bakery.
What made you consider a career in Technical?
I am from a food and farming background, so I have always been interested in the role food plays in our lives. My university degree was heavily focused on food safety requirements and the year in industry gave me a taster of what was to come. I enjoy the fast-paced nature of working with major retailers’ requirements and being able to improve the business’ technical systems.
What is so great about being in Technical at TCFG?
The team is great and there is such a wealth of knowledge among them. I like the exposure to working with almost all the major retailers, experience in meeting their code of practices and partaking in their audits. I enjoy the variety of work, as each day brings new challenges to resolve and improve systems.
What opportunities are there within TCFG for Technical?
There is a variety of roles within our Technical department, from QA to Technical Services and Technical Manager to Head of Technical at a site level. There is such a variety of roles within the function at all levels.
Why should you consider a career with TCFG?
Despite being relatively new to Compleat, one of the aspects that really impressed me from the start was their passion for succession planning and developing the next generation of managers.
Describe an average day at TCFG.
Each day is different in my role. There are days with audits and visits, where everyone works as a team to pull together and present the information requested. My typical day-to-day role consists of updating a variety of risk assessments, but I am also responsible for completing internal audits and managing the internal audit program. I also partake in feasibility meetings, to ensure potential technical issues are raised with new products/raw materials before they reach production. As a part of Riverside’s HACCP team, I support in reviewing the HACCP and actions arising from the HACCP meetings. I thoroughly enjoy the challenges and opportunity for growth that each day brings at Riverside Bakery.
Meet Jawad Haidery – Group Technical Services Director
When did you join TCFG?
I joined Dorset Foods as Interim Technical Manager in 2018
How long have you worked in Technical?
Over 20 years now
What made you consider a career in Technical?
I completed my BSc (Hons) in Food Science (2000) and MSc (Hons) in Food Technology (2002). I always had great interest in compliance and food legislation which led me to start career in quality and technical function.
What is so great about being in Technical at TCFG?
I really enjoy working in Central Technical Services at TCFG as I have been part of developing this function. We work with multidisciplinary teams including procurement, site teams, commercial, regulatory bodies and more importantly customers. For me, I have been lucky enough that I have worked at site level, within the central function, visiting suppliers, customers and representing TCFG at regulatory forums. I have a great team which is invaluable to me.
What opportunities are there within TCFG for Technical?
Within Central Technical Services, we have a great platform for someone to develop skills in Food Safety, Integrity, Legality and Ethical compliance. We have Raw Material Technologists, finished product technologists, technical platform administrators and site level technical opportunities at each site.
Why should you consider a career with TCFG?
From my personal experience, there are number of development opportunities within each department. We offer support via various channels including our own Technical Academy.
Describe an average day at TCFG.
An average day is challenging but very satisfying. We are a fast paced, customers focused chilled food manufacturer. We work against defined KPIs and standards and there is nothing more satisfying than achieving and beating your targets. In our function, weekly and monthly reporting is required to track performance and identify any action required in a timely manner.
Meet Mohammad Khan – Compliance Administrator
When did you join TCFG?
I joined TCFG December 2021.
How long have you worked in Technical?
I worked in the technical team since the beginning of my apprenticeship.
What made you consider a career in Technical?
I joined the team because I saw the potential of growing as an individual. The vision of the team always doing better gave me the motivation to do the same. I saw other apprenticeships and felt like they didn’t offer the same growth as Compleat.
What is so great about being in Technical at TCFG?
Learning about new software’s and learning new IT skills. The IT helps develop new ways to make things run more efficient. It also gives more problem-solving opportunities. This allows for more productivity and teamwork in the workplace.
What opportunities are there within TCFG for Technical?
The technical team has endless opportunities – for example, traveling and improving your communication skills.
Describe an average day at TCFG.
The average day for me is working with suppliers and retailers to make sure things are running smoothly with the export and ensuring data is updated and recorded.
If you would like to join us at The Compleat Food Group, visit our Careers Page here https://www.compleatfood.com/careers/
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