Food Recruitment

Advocate Group is a leading food recruitment agency in the UK, partnering with top FMCG brands and food manufacturers to deliver tailored food industry recruitment solutions. 

Our expertise covers every function critical to success in the food sector - from Sales, Marketing, and Commercial Leadership through to Supply Chain, Operations, NPD, and Technical. Whether you’re scaling production, launching new products, or strengthening leadership capability, we deliver talent that drives performance and growth. 

What Is Food Recruitment? 

Food Industry Recruitment Services Overview 

Food recruitment focuses on sourcing skilled professionals across the entire food production and commercial lifecycle - from factory operatives and QA managers to brand leaders and commercial directors. 
At Advocate Group, we combine deep sector networks with rigorous screening processes to identify candidates who truly understand your product, your consumers, and your culture. 


Role of a Food Recruitment Agency UK 

A specialist food recruitment agency UK like Advocate Group provide more than just hiring support - we deliver market intelligence, compliance expertise, and end-to-end recruitment solutions. 
From candidate attraction and assessment to offer negotiation and onboarding, we manage every stage to ensure you make the right hire, every time.  

Sourcing Strategies for Food Manufacturing and FMCG Roles

Effective food manufacturing and FMCG recruitment begins with mapping talent across production, packaging, logistics, and commercial functions. 
We leverage our partnerships with industry associations, training academies, and targeted campaigns to engage both active and passive professionals - from high-speed line operators to category and sales managers driving growth in leading food brands. 

For actionable insights, explore our expert tips for attracting top Food & Drink talent. 

Assessing Candidates for Quality Assurance & Safety Compliance 

When assessing QA and compliance professionals, we look beyond technical qualifications. Our competency-based interviews and practical assessments validate audit experience, continuous improvement initiatives, and alignment with your culture and operational standards. 

What Qualifications Are Needed for Food Industry Roles? 

Key certifications include HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point), BRC (British Retail Consortium), and ISO 22000. These demonstrate a candidate’s commitment to food safety, product integrity, and regulatory compliance - essential in maintaining the highest industry standards. 

Skills Required for Food Supply Chain, Sales & Marketing Roles 

Successful food industry professionals blend analytical, technical, and commercial capability. From supply chain specialists skilled in demand forecasting and inventory optimisation, to sales and marketing leaders driving category growth and brand performance - we prioritise candidates who bring both strategic insight and hands-on experience. 

 

Why Choose Advocate Group for Food Sector Recruitment? 

Experts in Food and Consumer Products Recruitment  

With decades of combined experience in consumer products and food recruitment, The Advocate Group understands the nuances of every category - from fresh produce to chilled, ambient, and premium goods. Our tailored sourcing strategies are built around your brand’s positioning, culture, and long-term goals. 

Proven Track Record in Food Industry Talent Acquisition 

Our consultative approach and commitment to quality have delivered a four-week average fill rate for critical food industry roles. Clients trust our specialists to deliver reliable, compliant, and commercially capable talent - keeping production lines moving, brands growing, and operations performing at their best.  

Our food recruitment specialists partner with brands ranging from innovative challenger labels to global FMCG leaders, delivering across permanent, interim, and project-based appointments. This cross-functional capability makes us the trusted recruitment partner of choice for food manufacturers across the UK. 


FAQs 

What is food recruitment? 

Food recruitment involves sourcing professionals for roles across production, supply chain, sales, marketing, and quality assurance within the food sector.  

How do you recruit food production and commercial talent? 

By leveraging deep industry networks, technical assessments, and targeted campaigns focused on HACCP-certified and commercially proven professionals.  

What qualifications are needed for food industry roles? 

Relevant experience in food manufacturing, HACCP or BRC certification, and proven expertise in food safety or commercial growth strategy.  

How long does food recruitment take? 

Typically around four weeks, depending on the seniority and complexity of the role. 

 

Whether supporting fast-growing challenger brands or established food manufacturers, Advocate Group delivers scalable recruitment solutions that adapt to your business needs. From single critical hires to multi-role projects, we provide the insight, reach, and reliability that leading food companies depend on. 

Did you know we’re also experts in Beauty & Cosmetics recruitment, Consumer Packaged Goods recruitment, Drinks recruitment, Fashion recruitment, FMCG recruitment, Health & Wellbeing recruitment, Homeware recruitment and Toys & Games recruitment? 
Explore all our FMCG and consumer product recruitment specialisms to find the team best suited to your needs - or browse our latest food industry and FMCG job opportunities. 

 

Active jobs

Category & Trade Marketing Exec

Kent
London
Β£32k - 37k per year
The Advocate Group are looking for a commercially minded, data-driven Category & Trade Marketing Executive to join a leading FMCG business. This is a hands-on role at the intersection of category insights, shopper engagement, and trade marketing execution, giving you the opportunity to influence retailer strategy and deliver impactful campaigns. This is an entry level opportunity so you could be a recent graduate or at the beginning of your career and looking to secure a role with a leading FMCG business that can truly support your development providing extra levels of responsibility as you progress.

Assistant Brand Manager

Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire
Β£30k - 35k per year + benefits and discretionary bonus
Are you a creative, ambitious marketer with a passion for flavour, culture, and consumer-led brands? Do you love variety, enjoy taking ownership, and want to make a real impact in a fast-paced FMCG environment? We're partnering with a vibrant food & drink business that's home to some of the UK's best-loved sauces, spices, and seasonings - and they're looking for an enthusiastic Assistant Brand Manager to join their growing team. You won't just be supporting campaigns - you'll be shaping them. From digital activations to product launches, trade events to market research, you'll have the chance to get involved in every part of the marketing mix. This is a brand team that values creativity, fresh thinking, and collaboration. You'll work closely with experienced Brand Managers, gaining genuine hands-on experience while helping to drive category growth and brand love across the UK.

Assistant Brand Manager

Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire
Β£30k - 35k per year + benefits and discretionary bonus
Are you a creative, ambitious marketer with a passion for flavour, culture, and consumer-led brands? Do you love variety, enjoy taking ownership, and want to make a real impact in a fast-paced FMCG environment? We're partnering with a vibrant food & drink business that's home to some of the UK's best-loved sauces, spices, and seasonings - and they're looking for an enthusiastic Assistant Brand Manager to join their growing team. You won't just be supporting campaigns - you'll be shaping them. From digital activations to product launches, trade events to market research, you'll have the chance to get involved in every part of the marketing mix. This is a brand team that values creativity, fresh thinking, and collaboration. You'll work closely with experienced Brand Managers, gaining genuine hands-on experience while helping to drive category growth and brand love across the UK.

Category Manager

London
Greater London
Β£55k - 65k per year
Join a global, family-owned FMCG business with some of the UK's most loved brands. The Advocate Group are currently supporting the search for an experienced Category Manager to drive category growth across the Out of Home, Traditional Trade and Ireland channels. In this strategic role, you'll act as a trusted advisor to customers and internal teams - shaping category plans, leading range reviews, and delivering actionable insights that boost visibility, distribution and sales.

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