Technical Manager – Food Manufacturing

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and driven Technical Manager to join our clients growing food manufacturing business. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in launching and shaping a brand-new production facility, ensuring the highest standards of food safety, quality, and compliance.
You will lead all technical and quality functions on site, working cross-functionally with production and maintenance teams to deliver safe, high-quality products while driving a strong food safety culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all technical, quality, and food safety activities across the site
• Ensure full compliance with BRCGS standards, UK food legislation, and retailer requirements
• Manage and maintain HACCP, QMS, TACCP/VACCP, allergen controls, and environmental monitoring programmes
• Own audit readiness, leading internal, external, and third-party audits
• Oversee product specifications, labelling, shelf-life validation, and process controls
• Manage supplier approval, raw material risk assessments, and high-risk ingredient compliance
• Support NPD activities, including trials, product launches, and technical validation
• Act as the key contact for customers on technical matters, handling queries, complaints, and site visits
• Drive continuous improvement in food safety, quality standards, and operational efficiency
• Lead, develop, and mentor the technical and QA teams

About You
Essential:

• Degree in Food Science or a related scientific discipline
• Proven experience in a Technical or Quality leadership role within chilled, high-care, or high-risk food manufacturing
• Strong knowledge of BRCGS, retailer standards, and audit processes
• Expertise in microbiological standards, pathogen control, and chilled supply chain management
• Advanced understanding of HACCP (Level 4) and UK food safety legislation

Desirable:

• Experience with nut/seed processing, oils, pastes, or viscous products
• Knowledge of hygienic design principles (EHEDG)
• Familiarity with CIP systems, heat exchangers, and grinding technologies

If you're a proactive and technically strong leader looking to make a real impact in a growing business, we’d love to hear from you.

S08