At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical operations in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment, ensuring quality and safety standards.
- Company: Join a leading food manufacturer renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, pension contributions, and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while mentoring a team and driving continuous improvement in food safety.
- Qualifications: Degree in a food-related discipline and experience in food manufacturing are essential.
- Other info: Ideal for proactive leaders who thrive under pressure and inspire their teams.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 £ per year.
Job Description
Lead Quality, Safety & Compliance in a High-Performing Food Manufacturing Environment
We’re looking for a hands-on Technical Manager to oversee the day-to-day technical operations of a leading food production site. You’ll be responsible for upholding the highest standards in food safety, quality, and hygiene—while mentoring your team and driving continuous improvement across the site.
Reporting to the Head of Technical, this role offers a fantastic opportunity to take ownership, influence standards, and make a real impact in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the Technical and Hygiene teams on site.
- Manage and maintain HACCP, TACCP & VACCP systems.
- Champion quality and compliance across production, goods-in, engineering, and processing.
- Maintain and enhance the Quality Management System (QMS).
- Deliver technical training and ensure team understanding of all systems and standards.
- Investigate customer complaints and non-conformances, identifying root causes and implementing corrective/preventative actions.
- Work with Production and NPD teams to validate manufacturing processes.
- Monitor and report on technical KPIs in collaboration with the Laboratory Manager.
- Conduct internal QMS and GMP audits with department managers.
- Manage pest control across the site.
- Prepare for and manage customer and third-party audits, ensuring timely completion of any resulting actions.
- Ensure internal procedures align with BRC and customer requirements—leading updates and training where necessary.
- Oversee specification systems and customer platform content.
- Manage the supplier approval process and ongoing compliance.
- Lead internal taste panels and product concessions.
What We’re Looking For
We're looking for a pragmatic leader with a proactive mindset, someone who remains focused and resilient under pressure and inspires their team to do the same.
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Experience in a food manufacturing environment (fruit or dairy experience is a bonus).
- Solid understanding of QMS and food safety systems.
- Familiarity with BRC standards and major retailer/customer codes of practice.
- Degree or equivalent in a food-related discipline.
- Strong communication and team leadership skills.
- Excellent organisational and time management capabilities.
- High attention to detail and a dependable, self-motivated approach.
What’s On Offer
- £50,000 salary
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays + 3 days in lieu for weekend cover
- 6% employer pension contribution
- Company sick pay
- 4x death-in-service life cover
- Opportunity to grow within a leading food manufacturer known for quality and innovation
Technical Manager employer: D R Newitt Recruitment
Contact Detail:
D R Newitt Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest BRC standards and food safety regulations. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to quality and compliance, which is crucial for the Technical Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food manufacturing industry, especially those who have experience in technical management. Attend relevant industry events or join online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about best practices.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams in a high-pressure environment. Highlight your experience with HACCP, QMS, and any successful projects that improved food safety or quality standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's values and mission, and think about how your personal leadership style aligns with them. Being able to articulate this connection during your discussions can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in food manufacturing, particularly in quality management systems and compliance. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and technical knowledge.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food safety and quality. Mention your experience with HACCP, BRC standards, and any relevant training you've delivered. Make it personal and connect your values with those of the company.
Highlight Key Achievements: In your application, emphasise key achievements that relate to the role. For instance, discuss how you improved compliance or led a successful audit. Quantify your successes where possible to make a stronger impact.
Prepare for Technical Questions: Anticipate technical questions related to food safety, quality management, and team leadership. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you resolved issues or implemented improvements in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at D R Newitt Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
Make sure to brush up on your understanding of HACCP, TACCP, and VACCP systems. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented these in previous roles, as well as your familiarity with BRC standards and quality management systems.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Technical Manager, you'll be leading teams. Share examples of how you've successfully mentored or developed team members in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and motivate others, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, particularly around customer complaints and non-conformances. Think of specific instances where you identified root causes and implemented corrective actions, and be ready to discuss them in detail.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Discuss your experience with driving continuous improvement initiatives. Be prepared to share examples of how you've enhanced processes or systems in previous roles, and how you plan to bring that mindset to the new position.