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- Tasks: Lead technical functions ensuring food safety and quality in a dynamic chilled operation.
- Company: Join one of the UK's most innovative branded food businesses focused on quality and pace.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and the chance to lead a respected technical team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a values-led organisation while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 5-6 years in Technical/Food Safety roles, HACCP Level 4, and a degree in Food Science.
- Other info: This is a 12-month fixed-term contract covering maternity leave.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: London
Salary: £75,000–£80,000 DOE
Contract: 12 month Fixed-Term (Maternity Cover)
Are you a Technical Manager with a passion for food safety, quality, and leading high-performing teams? We’re looking for a strong, decisive leader to hold the fort at one of the UK’s most innovative and fast-paced branded food businesses.
About the Role
Reporting to the Head of Technical and forming a key part of the Site Leadership Team, you'll lead all technical functions on site—ensuring the production of delicious, safe, and legal food across a dynamic chilled operation. This isn’t a role for making sweeping changes; instead, we need a confident, capable Technical lead to maintain and uphold our clients exceptional standards, support the technical team, and provide clear guidance on day-to-day technical matters.
What You'll Be Doing
- Act as Technical Site Lead, overseeing food safety, quality, and compliance
- Be the HACCP Team Leader (Level 4 required) and maintain audit-ready standards (BRC, internal)
- Support and develop a strong on-site technical team including QA Manager and Quality Technologists
- Maintain and enhance our food safety culture, working cross-functionally with Ops, Supply Chain & NPDE
- Engage in fast-paced new product launches – trials, raw materials, suppliers, processes
- Lead in areas like GMP, non-conformance resolution, supplier approvals, QMS training & documentation
- Provide calm, assertive decision-making during technical escalations and be part of the incident management team
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience (5–6 years+) in Technical/Food Safety roles in chilled food manufacturing
- Strong knowledge of High Care is highly advantageous
- Degree in Food Science or related field
- HACCP Level 4 (essential), Food Safety Level 3, Internal Audit trained
- Team management experience with a collaborative, people-first approach
- Confident communicator and decision-maker who can lead under pressure
- Agility to operate in a branded, fast-paced environment where priorities change quickly
- A cultural fit – someone who thrives on respect, collaboration, and pride in their work
Why Join Us?
You’ll be joining a business that truly values quality, pace, and its people. This 12 month FTC role is a fantastic opportunity to lead a respected technical team, drive food safety excellence, and keep things running smoothly while making a real difference in a high-performing, values-led organisation.
Interested? Let’s talk! Apply now or contact Charlotte Liddiard-Smith at The Oval Partnership for a confidential discussion.
Contact Detail:
The Oval Partnership Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Manager (FTC) 12 Months
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest food safety regulations and standards, especially BRC and HACCP. Being well-versed in these areas will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards in food safety.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food manufacturing industry, particularly those who have experience in technical management roles. Engaging with others can provide valuable insights and may even lead to referrals or recommendations for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-pressure situations. Highlighting your decision-making skills and ability to maintain calm during technical escalations will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s culture and values thoroughly. Understanding their emphasis on collaboration and respect will help you tailor your approach during interviews, showcasing that you are a great cultural fit for their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Manager (FTC) 12 Months
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in technical and food safety roles, particularly in chilled food manufacturing. Emphasise your leadership skills and any specific achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food safety and quality. Mention your experience with HACCP and team management, and explain how you can contribute to maintaining high standards at the company.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications, especially your HACCP Level 4 certification and any degrees in Food Science or related fields. This will demonstrate your suitability for the role and your commitment to food safety.
Showcase Soft Skills: In your application, highlight your communication and decision-making skills. Provide examples of how you've led teams under pressure and maintained a collaborative work environment, as these are key attributes for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Oval Partnership
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience in food safety and quality management. Highlight specific examples from your previous roles that demonstrate your knowledge of HACCP, BRC standards, and how you've maintained audit-ready conditions.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Technical Manager, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Share instances where you've successfully managed teams, resolved conflicts, or made decisive decisions under pressure. This will show your capability to maintain a high-performing environment.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This role requires working cross-functionally with various departments. Discuss your experience in collaborating with operations, supply chain, and new product development teams. Illustrate how you foster a culture of respect and teamwork.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-time situations. Think of examples where you've handled technical escalations or non-conformance issues, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
