Business Details
Global Food Industry Technical Recruitment Specialists
Harper Anderton stands as the UK's premier recruitment specialist dedicated exclusively to Technical and NPD roles within the food industry. Our purpose is to empower food companies globally to secure top-tier technical and R&D talent they might otherwise struggle to access. With a relentless focus on excellence, we deliver best-in-class candidate shortlists in significantly reduced timeframes compared to traditional agencies. Our team combines deep industry expertise with a consultative approach, ensuring clients gain a strategic advantage in hiring professionals who drive business growth rather than merely filling vacancies.For candidates, we serve as the definitive career partner, offering unparalleled support and transparent communication throughout their job search journey. Specialising in hard-to-fill roles across global markets, we provide tailored solutions for food manufacturers, retailers, and private equity groups seeking innovation-driven talent. Our commitment to quality extends beyond placements, encompassing ongoing support for both employers and professionals navigating the evolving food industry landscape.
Services
Technical Recruitment
NPD Recruitment
Quality Recruitment
R&D Recruitment
Executive Search
Contract Staffing
Career Consultancy
Market Intelligence
Salary Benchmarking
Workforce Planning
Highlights and features
- We specialise exclusively in Technical & NPD roles within the food industry
- Our global network covers hard-to-fill positions across six continents
- We deliver best-in-class candidate shortlists 40% faster than industry average
- Our consultants maintain active memberships in food science professional bodies
- We provide 24/7 candidate support with multilingual communication capabilities
Services
Technical Recruitment
Specialist recruitment for technical roles in food manufacturing. We source quality assurance professionals with proven track records in HACCP implementation and compliance management. Our candidates excel in factory technical management and supplier quality control across major food retailers.
NPD Recruitment
Connecting food companies with innovation leaders in new product development. Our network includes R&D directors and technologists with expertise in FMCG product lifecycle management. We specialise in placements driving market-leading product innovation and consumer trend analysis.
Executive Search
Targeted search for C-suite technical and R&D leadership roles. We identify executives with strategic vision for quality management systems and product development pipelines. Our retained search service ensures discreet executive-level placements across global food corporations.
Contract Staffing
Flexible staffing solutions for short-term technical and NPD requirements. We supply experienced professionals for project-based assignments in product reformulation and technical compliance. Our contractors maintain active certifications in food safety management standards.
Career Consultancy
Personalised career guidance for food industry professionals. Our consultants provide market insights on salary trends and skill development. We offer interview preparation and CV optimisation services tailored to technical and R&D job markets.
People
Tom Apperley
Founder & Managing Director
20+ years' experience in food industry recruitment leadership. Former technical director at major FMCG company. Specialises in strategic talent acquisition for global food manufacturers seeking innovation-driven leadership.
Kyproulla Adair
Principle Consultant
Specialist in senior quality management appointments. Holds food science degree and ISO 22000 auditor certification. Expert in placing technical directors and quality controllers across European food manufacturers.
Rob Urquhart
Associate Consultant - NPD & R&D
Focus on product development roles in quick-service restaurant sectors. Maintains active membership with Institute of Food Science & Technology. Connects emerging talent with established food retailers for innovation projects.
Raff Ruggieri
Consultant Technical & Quality
Technical recruitment specialist with emphasis on factory compliance roles. Works closely with major UK supermarkets on supplier approval processes. Holds Level 4 HACCP certification and SQF practitioner accreditation.
Kerrie Campbell
Senior Consultant Technical & Quality
Expert in quality assurance leadership appointments. Advises on BRCGS and FSSC 22000 compliance strategies. Places technical managers with proven track records in audit remediation and food safety culture development.
Questions
What food industry sectors do you specialise in?
We focus exclusively on technical and NPD roles across food manufacturing, retail, and private equity-backed food companies globally.
How do you ensure candidate quality?
Our rigorous vetting process includes technical assessments, reference checks, and verification of food safety certifications before candidate submission.
Can you help with urgent recruitment needs?
Yes, our global network allows rapid response to critical vacancies. We maintain relationships with pre-vetted professionals available for immediate roles.
Do you offer international placement services?
We specialise in cross-border placements with expertise in visa requirements, local regulations, and cultural considerations for global assignments.
What support do you provide after placement?
We offer 90-day post-employment support including performance check-ins and transition assistance to ensure successful role integration.
Reviews (4)
Kristy Keegan
Jul 29, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness
Will Beaman just placed an excellent candidate with us which far surpassed the brief we provided at the start of the process in terms of experience, skills and fit with our business. Communication was excellent throughout the process and I am very much looking forward to working with them again in the future.
Will Beaman just placed an excellent candidate with us which far surpassed the brief we provided at the start of the process in terms of experience, skills and fit with our business. Communication was excellent throughout the process and I am very much looking forward to working with them again in the future.
Nadwa Majeed
Jul 21, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness
A very good recruitment agency to use. Highly professional staff who know what they are doing. I use Harper Anderton for my current work contract and they are very good at communicating with me and keeping me up to date with any changes.
A very good recruitment agency to use. Highly professional staff who know what they are doing. I use Harper Anderton for my current work contract and they are very good at communicating with me and keeping me up to date with any changes.
Nigel Cross
Jul 17, 2021
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I recently used Harper Anderton to find a suitable Technical Manager for EGL Homecare Ltd. I was assigned Kerrie and Will who both acted professionally and expertly throughout all our dealings. Will quickly found suitable candidates for the role and sent videos from each answering some basic technical questions posed by ourselves for the candidates. This was extremely useful to see the candidates perform before their first interview answering the questions we wanted to hear. From this we were able to quickly narrow the shortlist down to a couple of suitable candidates which went through the normal
Ben King
Jul 17, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness
Jack was a absolute pleasure to work with, he provided a great service in finding me a role within NPD, while being supportive and easy to get along with. I would recommend Jack and Harper Anderson when looking for your next role in the food and drink industry.
Jack was a absolute pleasure to work with, he provided a great service in finding me a role within NPD, while being supportive and easy to get along with. I would recommend Jack and Harper Anderson when looking for your next role in the food and drink industry.
