Business Details
Global Food Industry Recruitment Specialists
Harper Anderton stands as the UK's leading recruitment specialist dedicated exclusively to Technical and NPD roles within the food industry. Since our inception, we have focused on connecting food companies with top-tier technical and R&D talent globally, enabling businesses to secure candidates who drive innovation and operational excellence. Our team combines deep industry expertise with a relentless commitment to client success, delivering best-in-class candidate shortlists faster than traditional agencies. For candidates, we offer unparalleled career opportunities and a consultative approach that prioritises transparent communication and professional growth. Operating across Europe, North America, and Australia, we specialise in hard-to-fill roles spanning NPD, quality assurance, and technical management.Our client base includes food manufacturers, retailers, importers, and private equity groups seeking strategic talent solutions. With a proven track record in placing senior professionalsfrom Process Technologists to Chief R&D Officerswe provide a competitive edge in a highly specialised market. Our office in Redhill, Surrey serves as the hub for our global operations, supported by a team of dedicated consultants with extensive sector knowledge. We uphold the highest standards of professionalism, evidenced by our membership in industry bodies and partnerships with organisations like The Children's Trust. Harper Anderton remains committed to ethical recruitment practices, continuous improvement, and delivering measurable value to both employers and candidates.
Services
Technical Recruitment
NPD Roles
Quality Assurance
Global Coverage
Senior Appointments
Food Industry Specialists
Consultative Approach
Candidate Development
Employer Branding
Executive Search
Highlights and features
- We specialise exclusively in technical and NPD roles within the food industry
- Our global reach covers Europe, North America, and Australia
- We deliver best-in-class candidate shortlists faster than traditional agencies
- We provide a consultative approach with transparent communication for candidates
- Our team has extensive expertise in placing senior food industry professionals
Services
Technical Recruitment
We specialise in placing senior technical professionals within the food industry. Our expertise covers roles from Quality Managers to Technical Directors, ensuring compliance and innovation. Clients benefit from our deep sector knowledge and extensive candidate network.
NPD Recruitment
Our NPD recruitment solutions connect food companies with creative R&D talent. We source professionals who drive product innovation and market success. Candidates receive tailored career guidance and industry insights to advance their careers.
Global Coverage
We operate across key food industry markets including Europe, North America, and Australia. Our global network enables placement of executives in multinational organisations. Clients gain access to diverse talent pools while maintaining local market expertise.
Senior Appointments
We specialise in executive-level placements for technical and NPD leadership roles. Our rigorous vetting process identifies candidates with proven track records. Clients receive strategic talent solutions that align with long-term business objectives.
Consultative Approach
We provide personalised career guidance to food industry professionals. Our consultants offer market insights and interview preparation. Employers benefit from transparent communication and tailored recruitment strategies that enhance retention and performance.
People
Tom Apperley
Founder & Managing Director
With over 15 years in food industry recruitment, Tom established Harper Anderton to address technical talent gaps. He leads strategic growth while maintaining hands-on client relationships, ensuring delivery of exceptional recruitment solutions.
Kyproulla Adair
Principle Consultant
Specialising in technical leadership roles, Kyproulla brings extensive experience in quality assurance recruitment. She focuses on matching senior professionals with organisations seeking operational excellence and regulatory compliance in food production.
Rob Urquhart
Associate Consultant - NPD & R&D
Rob specialises in NPD and R&D placements across the food sector. His expertise includes identifying innovative product development talent for manufacturers and retailers, with a focus on emerging market trends and consumer-driven innovation.
Raff Ruggieri
Consultant Technical & Quality
Raff focuses on quality assurance and technical management roles within food manufacturing. He works closely with candidates to understand career aspirations while advising employers on compliance and food safety recruitment strategies.
Kerrie Campbell
Senior Consultant Technical & Quality
Kerrie specialises in senior technical appointments for food companies. With a background in quality management systems, she identifies leaders who enhance operational efficiency and maintain rigorous food safety standards across global supply chains.
Questions
What areas do you specialise in within the food industry?
We focus exclusively on technical, NPD, and quality assurance roles across food manufacturing, retail, and private equity sectors globally.
How do you ensure candidates meet industry standards?
Our rigorous vetting process includes technical assessments, reference checks, and verification of compliance certifications relevant to food safety regulations.
Can you help with international recruitment needs?
Yes, we operate across Europe, North America, Australia, and the UK, placing executives in multinational food organisations with local market expertise.
What senior roles do you typically fill?
We specialise in leadership positions including Technical Directors, NPD Executives, Quality Assurance Leaders, and R&D Professionals at director and managerial levels.
How do you support candidate career development?
We provide market insights, salary benchmarking, and interview preparation to help food industry professionals advance their careers strategically.
What makes your recruitment approach different?
Our exclusive focus on food industry technical roles gives us deeper sector knowledge and a more targeted candidate network than generalist agencies.
