Technical Manager

Technical Manager
Salary: 70,000
Reports to: Senior Management Team
Department: Technical
Job Type: Full-time

1. Job Purpose

The Technical Manager is responsible for overseeing all food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance within the manufacturing site. The role ensures that all products, processes, and systems meet legal, customer, and internal standards. The post-holder will lead the technical function, maintain certification standards, and support continuous improvement across operations.

2. Key Responsibilities

2.1 Food Safety and Quality Assurance

• Ensure all operational processes are controlled and aligned with food safety and quality requirements.
• Maintain compliance with site Food Safety and Quality Management Systems.
• Lead investigations into quality issues and implement corrective and preventative actions.

2.2 Systems and Documentation

• Maintain, update, and control all technical documentation, including procedures, production records, and quality management system documents.
• Ensure documentation meets audit, customer, and legal requirements.

2.3 Regulatory and Customer Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with all relevant legislation, codes of practice, and customer standards.
• Conduct internal audits and support external audits, including certification audits (e.g., BRC).
• Vet ingredients, processes, and finished products to ensure compliance with current and emerging regulations.

2.4 Supplier, Customer and Stakeholder Management

• Liaise with suppliers regarding specifications, raw materials, and audits.
• Work with customers and regulatory bodies on technical matters, queries, and site visits.
• Support effective cross-functional communication across production, operations, and commercial teams.

2.5 Continuous Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement across technical and quality processes.
• Identify and implement improvements to factory systems, quality standards, and operational controls.
• Monitor site performance using KPIs and provide recommendations for improvement.

2.6 High-Care Management

• Oversee technical standards within high-care production areas (e.g., soups, sauces, dressings).
• Ensure hygiene, segregation, and process controls are maintained to high-care requirements.

3. Person Specification

3.1 Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related subject, or equivalent technical/QA experience.
• HACCP Level 4.
• Food Safety Level 4.

3.2 Experience

• Proven experience in a technical or quality leadership role within food manufacturing.
• Experience with BRC accreditation processes (preferred).
• Experience working in high-care environments (preferred).

3.3 Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage complex systems.
• Ability to interpret and apply food legislation and industry standards.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments.

4. Working Relationships

• Internal: Production, Operations, NPD, Supply Chain, Senior Management Team.
• External: Suppliers, customers, auditors, and regulatory bodies.

5. Additional Information

• Full-time, permanent position.
• Expected to be present during audits and key operational activities.