At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead food safety and quality management, ensuring compliance and continuous improvement.
- Company: Join ABP UK, a leading food producer with a focus on quality British and Irish products.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, training opportunities, employee discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and excellent career progression opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food safety and quality in a dynamic and growing company.
- Qualifications: Experience in food safety, quality management, and team leadership is essential.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
About us: ABP UK is a major division of the ABP Food Group with factories in Ireland, UK and Europe. We are a food business that specialises in the supply and development of award-winning British and Irish beef and lamb products for retail, foodservice and wholesale. As one of the UK’s largest food producers, ABP relies on the skills and experience of its people, that’s why we offer lifelong careers with secure and full-time hours as well as competitive rates of pay, backed by great training and the opportunity to grow and progress within the business. With the growth and expansion of our ABP Penston site in Glasgow, we have opportunities available to build our teams in line with the increase in volume.
Role Purpose: The Technical Manager is responsible for ensuring food safety, legality, quality, and compliance with BRCGS, legal, customer, and group standards. The role leads the factory QA management and systems teams, drives continuous improvement, and embeds a strong food safety culture while protecting the integrity of products, customers, and brands.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leadership & People Development
- Lead, develop, and motivate the site Quality and Systems teams with clear objectives and accountability.
- Coach and develop direct reports, supporting succession planning and capability development.
- Act as a technical leader on site, setting and maintaining high standards.
- Deputise for the Head of Technical and provide management cover across the technical function.
- Food Safety, Quality & Compliance
- Own and manage the site Food Safety and Quality Management Systems.
- Ensure compliance with legal requirements, BRCGS standards, customer and group codes of practice.
- Maintain audit readiness across HACCP, CCPs, allergen control, GMP and hygiene.
- Ensure product, customer, and brand integrity is maintained at all times.
- Ensure strong process controls are in place to deliver on Food Safety, integrity and Product Quality.
- Factory Systems
- Drive the effectiveness, integrity and performance of the Technical elements of the factory Systems.
- The role will ensure robust data integrity, strong process control and continuous improvement to support food safety, compliance, operational efficiency and right-first-time execution.
- Audits, Customers & External Stakeholders
- Lead and host customer, third-party, and regulatory audits.
- Ensure timely close-out of non-conformances and corrective actions.
- Support and lead customer visits, technical presentations, and meetings.
- Complete gap analysis against customer codes of practice and legislation.
- Develop and grow customer relationships, gaining confidence and trust.
- Non-Conformance & Continuous Improvement
- Provide governance across the site on food safety, integrity and quality standards.
- Trend data, investigate adverse trends and communicate site performance to the senior management team and their teams.
- Ensure non-conformances and customer complaints are investigated, root caused and closed out in an effective and timely manner.
- Drive effective root cause analysis and corrective action plans.
- Implement continuous improvement initiatives to meet customer and business targets.
- Supplier & Raw Material Assurance
- Work collaboratively with the raw materials team to ensure all customer and 3rd party requirements are being met such as supply chain maps and relevant food safety, quality and integrity checks are being completed at intake.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Production, NPD, Engineering and Supply Chain teams.
- Provide technical input into change management and new product launches ensuring all customer, 3rd party and legal requirements are met.
- The role and department will sign off new product acceptance into the factory.
- Food Safety Culture & Training
- Lead and develop a positive food safety culture across the site.
- Deliver and support food safety, quality, and GMP training and awareness campaigns.
- Increase awareness of behaviours and factors that can compromise food safety.
- Operational Flexibility
- Provide technical leadership outside normal working hours when required.
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends on an ad-hoc or planned basis.
What's in it for You?
- Employee Assistance Programme for both colleague and family.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Internal Training and Development Programmes.
- Employee discounts offered by customers.
- Employee Recognition Programme.
- Refer a Friend Scheme.
- Benefits Portal inclusive of technology discounts, vehicle leasing etc.
- Free Parking with EV Charging available with a salary sacrifice.
- Onsite subsidised canteen and vending machines.
- Life Assurance.
- Free fruit.
Technical Manager employer: ABP Food Group
ABP Food Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment at our Langport site. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we provide comprehensive benefits including health support, career development opportunities, and a vibrant company culture that celebrates achievements through events and recognition schemes. Join us to be part of a team that values trust, respect, and excellence, while enjoying job security and the chance to grow your career in the food processing industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Manager
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like ABP Food Group.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from ABP Food Group!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like ABP Food Group, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
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We think you need these skills to ace Technical Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at ABP Food Group, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at ABP Food Group.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to ABP Food Group. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at ABP Food Group. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at ABP Food Group
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to ABP Food Group’s mission.
