Technical & Operational Excellence Manager

Technical & Operational Excellence Manager

Location: Field-Based (Minimum 3 Days On-Site Weekly)

Function: Technical & Quality

Reports To: Head of Technical & Quality

Travel: Up to 70% across manufacturing sites

Are you passionate about driving quality, safety, and continuous improvement across manufacturing operations?

Join Müller as a Technical & Operational Excellence Manager and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of food safety and product quality across our network of sites.

About the Role

This is a high-impact, cross-functional role focused on eliminating repeat food safety and quality issues. You'll lead root cause investigations, coach site teams, and embed a culture of technical excellence and proactive problem-solving. Acting as a central technical expert, you'll influence standards, drive compliance, and support continuous improvement across the business.

Key Responsibilities as Technical & Operational Excellence Manager:

• Lead structured investigations into repeat non-conformances using tools like 5 Whys, Fishbone, and DMAIC.
• Develop and manage a network-wide non-conformance matrix and trend analysis.
• Ensure robust validation and verification programs are in place and effective.
• Drive corrective and preventative actions (CAPA) and verify their long-term success.
• Coach and challenge site technical teams to build RCA capability and audit readiness.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, NPD, and Supply Chain to embed technical excellence.
• Report performance against KPIs and escalate strategic risks to senior leadership.

What We're Looking For:

• Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Dairy Science, or related field.
• Experience in a senior technical or quality role within FMCG (preferably dairy or chilled food).
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards (BRCGS, HACCP, ISO 22000).
• Advanced problem-solving and continuous improvement skills (Lean Six Sigma preferred).
• Excellent communicator and influencer, able to lead without direct authority.
• Highly analytical, resilient, and collaborative.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and bonus scheme.
• Company car or car allowance.
• Generous holiday entitlement.
• Pension scheme with company contributions.
• Private healthcare options.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Safe, modern working environments with state-of-the-art equipment.
• Supportive culture focused on growth, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Long-term career opportunities with a market-leading brand.

Ready to make a difference?

Apply now and help us deliver safe, high-quality products, right first time, every time.