Zest

5 job(s) at Zest

Zest
Jan 06, 2026
Full time
Opportunity for a Technical Manager to lead and develop the site's Technical, QA, and Hygiene functions. This is a pivotal role within a self-managed team, deputising for senior management when required. The Role As Technical Manager, you will ensure all products leaving the site are safe, compliant, and meet both regulatory and customer standards. You will lead the Technical, QA and Hygiene Team, driving best practices in GMP, food safety, and quality assurance. Your responsibilities will include: Overseeing compliance with legislative, regulatory, and customer standards, including micro compliance. Managing external contracts with outsourced laboratories and liaising with external bodies such as EHOs, Trading Standards, and accrediting organisations. Supporting Operations to optimise site performance through predictive and continuous improvement approaches. Contributing to site strategic planning and new operation ramp-up, ensuring required approvals (e.g., BRC, Retailer COPs, EHO) are achieved. Leading Technical and QA training initiatives to develop team capability and maintain high standards. Driving continuous improvement initiatives to integrate quality systems into site operations effectively. About You We are looking for a technically competent, hands-on leader who combines excellent people management skills with strong analytical and influencing abilities. You will have: A degree in a Food Science discipline. Minimum 5 years' experience in a food manufacturing environment. HACCP qualification and proven experience in food safety system development and implementation. Experience as a Systems Auditor. Strong knowledge of GMP, quality assurance, and hygiene standards. Ability to lead self-managed teams, delivering training, development, and performance improvements. Experience interfacing with regulatory bodies, customers, and auditors. Lean manufacturing awareness and a methodical, controlled approach to problem-solving. Why Apply? Reputable food manufacturer in a leadership capacity with real autonomy and influence over site performance. You will be the conscience of the site, ensuring consumer safety, product integrity, and operational excellence. As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)
Zest
Jan 04, 2026
Full time
Are you a senior Supervisor, Section Manager, Area Manager or Operations/Manufacturing/Production Shift Manager looking for a new opportunity? We are currently working with a well established, multi-site food manufacturer who are a large, fast complex site. They are seeking a Shift Manager to join the team on a 12 hour nightshift. You will ideally have experience operating in a chilled, high risk environment, but other products exposures can still be considered. Ideally managed teams of 30-50 reports. You will need to be able to operate in a fast paced environment. Due to the nature of the environment you will need to be able to think on your feet and work proactively as well as reactively. You will be responsible for ensuring food safety and health and safety standards are upheld, bringing a progressive and CI mindset to the shift and finding ways to implement improvements. If you feel you match the above criteria and wish to apply for this great opportunity, please contact Sam on (phone number removed) or send your CV to (url removed) directly. As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)
Zest
Jan 03, 2026
Full time
An opportunity for an experienced Site Technical Manager to lead the technical function within a grounded food manufacturing business. This is a key leadership position with responsibility for ensuring the highest standards of food safety, quality, legality, and compliance, while driving continuous improvement across the site, you'll also play a visible role in audits, customer relationships, and deliver initiatives that support business growth and integrity. Key Responsibilities Lead all site technical operations, ensuring robust systems for quality, food safety, legality, and brand integrity. Develop and implement a clear technical strategy and improvement roadmap aligned with business objectives. Champion a positive food safety and quality culture across all departments. Manage, coach, and develop the technical team, embedding strong leadership, succession planning, and performance management. Provide senior technical presence during audits, customer visits, and inspections. Collaborate with wider business functions to share best practice and deliver strategic projects. Lead investigations, non-conformance management, and CAPA implementation to maintain continuous improvement. Support environmental, sustainability, and health and safety initiatives as part of the senior leadership team. About You You're an experienced technical leader with a strong background in food manufacturing and the credibility to influence at senior level. You combine strategic vision with practical leadership and a drive to raise standards and develop people. Essential Skills & Experience Degree (or equivalent) in Food Science or a related discipline. Proven track record in a senior technical or quality management role within food manufacturing. Strong understanding of UK retailer Codes of Practice. Level 4 HACCP and Lead Auditor qualification. Experience of managing customer technical relationships. Demonstrated success in leading and developing high-performing teams. Knowledge of BRCGS, IFS, and other third-party audit standards. Experience with technical systems such as SAP or MES. Strong communication, influencing, and problem-solving skills. Why Apply? This is an excellent opportunity to join a respected food business in a role with genuine influence and visibility. The successful candidate will shape technical strategy, build capability within the team, and play a key part in maintaining the highest standards of food safety, quality, and compliance. As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)
Zest
Jan 01, 2026
Full time
If you're an experienced Technical or Senior QA Manager seeking a fresh challenge, this is a standout opportunity to join a fast-growing start-up food business at a crucial stage. With strong product demand and rapid scale-up, they need someone adaptable who can juggle priorities, build food safety processes, embed standards, and shape the technical function for the future. Make your mark and help steer the business forward. Key Responsibilities: Lead, manage and develop the Technical/QA function, ensuring compliance in all activities Oversee the design, implementation, and review of a robust and validated HACCP system Champion and embed a strong food safety and quality culture across the site Ensure all food safety, quality and compliance systems meet legal, customer, and internal standards Take full responsibility for the site's readiness for all customer, third-party, and regulatory audits Manage all technical visits, customer interactions, and site audits from start to finish Collaborate as an active member of the senior management team and contribute to site-wide decision making Monitor and report on key technical KPIs and implement effective corrective actions where needed Key Requirements: Proven experience in a similar Technical Manager role within the food manufacturing industry In-depth understanding of HACCP, food safety legislation, and BRCGS standards Strong leadership and people management skills Audit management experience (retailer, customer, BRCGS, and regulatory bodies) Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities Organised, detail-oriented, and able to drive continuous improvement Degree in Food Science, Food Technology or related discipline (desirable) This is a new opportunity for a confident and collaborative technical professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and wants to make a tangible impact. If your skills and experience align to the role - send your application to (url removed) As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)
Zest
Jan 01, 2026
Full time
We are proudly recruiting on behalf of a well-known, market-leading UK food manufacturer, recognised for quality, innovation, and exceptional standards across their product range. As the business continues to strengthen its Group Technical Function, they are now seeking a skilled Group Technical Auditor to join their high-performing team. The Role: As the Group Technical Auditor, you will play a central role in ensuring that all manufacturing sites maintain consistent, best-in-class technical and quality standards. This is a highly visible, influential position working across UK sites and directly with suppliers to uphold compliance and drive continuous improvement. Responsibilities: -Lead internal and external audits across all UK manufacturing sites. -Work closely with suppliers to ensure compliance and alignment with group expectations. -Ensure all sites are fully centralised with consistent standards and compliant with UK legislation and retailer requirements. -Support sites with customer and external visits, ensuring smooth audit processes. -Manage and develop the internal audit system, driving efficiency and best practice. -Collaborate with the Group Technical Function, providing technical insight and supporting key projects and initiatives. Requirements: -Lead Auditor qualification - essential. -Extensive auditing experience within food manufacturing. -A strong working knowledge of BRC and HACCP. -Proven ability to lead and develop teams across multiple sites. -Experience working directly with UK retailers, understanding their standards and expectations. -Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence at all levels. Salary: 40,000 - 50,000 The ideal candidate will be working in a similar position within food production. If you feel this exceptional opportunity is for you and you meet the above criteria, then click apply and send us an updated copy of your CV - alternatively you can send through your C.V to (url removed) or phone (phone number removed). As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)