October 2009 Archives

Christmas is fast approaching and my thoughts are leaning towards giving my sister - in- law's husband an early Christmas present. I have seen on the internet a Mongolian manufactured SATNAV device called a 'Genghis Genghis' which guarantees that all routes keyed into it lead to their capital Ulan Bator. So whilst I know that he and his family will be dining on roasted yak and buttered moong beans (approx 4500 miles away..bliss!!!), I am still left with dilemma as to whether to stuff the turkey and go for something more exotic like venison. Not exactly sensitive to Bambi or Rudolph loving kids I know but just spout the incantation' Jamie says its healthy' and its sold - Bambiburgers it is then!

Seriously though I knew that venison was a lean meat but a programme I viewed last night really accentuated as to why. David Attenboroughs recent series 'Life' covered footage of the annual migration of reindeer in Canada . This is an epic journey of c4000 miles (they will go to any lengths in winter to hide from a white haired fat bloke in a red suit ), and during their life time they will travel the equivalent of three times around the worlds circumference. So no wonder venison has virtually no fat and is regarded as one of leanest and healthiest meats .

Which brings me neatly on to the fact that we have some major recruitment activity at present within the meat sector. We currently have a number of Quality Manager and Technical Manager vacancies with a major meat manufacturer that is under going an ambitious phase of expansion. So if you are interested in progressing your career within this food category or wishing to break into it why not log on to our job opportunities page.

Northern USA last week celebrated their (apparently) infamous sandwich as it was National Fluffernutter Day! An article in the Nashua Telegraph describes the 'Fluffernutter ' as a sandwich consisting of peanut butter and marshmallow fluff spread on white bread. It goes on to declare that "Substituting wheat bread for white in effort to make the sandwich more nutritious is generally frowned upon" as ....."if you're concerned about nutrition, you probably shouldn't be eating a peanut butter and marshmallow sandwich".

Unfortunately my client doesn't yet have a Fluffernutter sandwich filling within their portfolio as yet! However they do have an extensive range of fillings which are very popular with the major UK retailers and consumers and they now require a National Account Manager to look after their Sainsbury business.

For more information please click on my audioboo link below to hear all the details.

There has been a story I spotted on the internet today that makes for interesting reading: Authorities work to keep jam makers producing

Although this story is from New Zealand, with all the recent and future regulation changes in the UK it may be that you have felt a similar madness effect the business you work with.

On a related note, we have taken a new role involved with Hygiene, for a company that has a fantastic reputation for the quality of its products. We are looking for a Hygiene Manager to facilitate effective management of the hygiene systems on site and to verify and validate methods and standards. You will report and take appropriate action to safeguard the business if hygiene related non-compliances are uncovered, but most importantly you will lead a motivated team in achieving departmental and business Key Performance Indicators in line with departmental and company objectives. What is vital in this position is fantastic man management skills to bring together the highly motivated and skilled workforce to continue their excellent quality achievements and make sure that the site does not get caught out, like in the above story, to any strange new regulations.

If this sounds of interest, please call Focus on 01625 560778.

"We're in a positive mood as a business. We have clients coming forward on a daily basis" our director Michael Staniland told foodnavigator.com last week.

Since June, Focus Management has seen an upturn in the food recruitment market, unlike other countries in Europe that are still struggling to cope with the effects of the recession.

The food sector is often seen as enjoying an element of protection in recession, since food is a basic human need. It is not immune, but it often responds more quickly to the signs of recovery than other industries.

"Clients still think it is a buyer's market, but we have candidates out there with multiple offers."

Part of the reason could be food companies pulling forward recruitment campaigns originally planned for January, as they are seeing the "green shoots of recovery".
The majority of current vacancies are in operations, manufacturing and technical management, followed by product development and commercial (sales and marketing).
Interestingly the food industry is currently attracting professionals from other sectors. As Michael said in the interview, "Automotive people want to move into food. Their skills are transferable."

He added that recruiters may prefer applicants with a number of years in food under their belt for technical and product development roles. "But from an engineering or manufacturing management point of view, automotive or telecoms experience can bring real value."

So what about the prospects for the food sector in 2010?

Much will depend on how major retailers perform in the Christmas trading period, a critical time for food's fortunes, and we expect that further consolidation will occur next year, because of trading conditions.

Recent research from the CIPD found that more than a third of employees are considering changing job within the next year, and of these, 24% are considering a change of sector.

If you're one of those people who are considering a change, don't get left behind. Everybody needs to eat and this is a golden opportunity to get into an industry that will never die.