At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical activities ensuring food safety and quality across the UK business.
- Company: Join Freixenet Copestick Ltd, a leading supplier of sparkling wines in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, performance bonuses, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead a team and drive continuous improvement in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and quality in the drinks industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG or wine manufacturing with BRCGS knowledge is essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We’re hiring a Technical Manager (12–13 month maternity cover) to join our team! This is a fantastic opportunity to lead technical, sustainability and master data across our UK business, ensuring food safety, quality, legality and authenticity while driving continuous improvement and maintaining BRCGS certification. BRCGS knowledge and experience will be essential, as you’ll take ownership of technical strategy, audits, supplier performance and team leadership. Freixenet Copestick Ltd are a major player in the UK drinks market and we’re proud to be the UK’s leading supplier of sparkling wines. In this role, you’ll work cross‑functionally with internal teams and external partners to deliver best‑in‑class technical standards and support the wider business.
What you’ll be doing:
- Lead all technical activities ensuring food safety, quality, legality and authenticity across the UK business
- Own and maintain BRCGS Agents & Brokers certification, ensuring ongoing compliance across all departments
- Act as HACCP team leader, ensuring all food safety processes are robust and adhered to
- Develop and drive the UK technical and quality strategy, delivering continuous improvement
- Oversee compliance management including labelling, legal requirements and audit readiness
- Manage supplier performance, working closely with partner wineries and third‑party suppliers
- Lead internal and external audit programmes, including non‑conformance reviews and quality panels
- Oversee product specifications, bulk wine processes and packaging compliance
- Support NPD projects, ensuring all technical requirements are met for new product launches
- Lead incident management processes, including mock recalls and issue resolution
- Drive sustainability initiatives and manage customer technical requests
- Manage technical data systems including SAP and product data platforms
- Manage and lead a team of 5
What we’re looking for:
- Strong experience in FMCG, food or wine manufacturing within a technical or quality role
- Detailed understanding of BRCGS Agents & Brokers (essential)
- HACCP Level 3 and Food Safety Level 3 certified
- TACCP & VACCP certification
- Experience working with major retailers and understanding their technical requirements
- Strong project management and organisational skills
- Analytical mindset with a methodical approach to data and processes
- Advanced Excel skills (e.g. pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, data analysis)
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Proven ability to lead teams and drive continuous improvement
- Knowledge of wine or a scientific background (desirable)
What we offer:
- Performance‑related bonus
- Enhanced pension contributions
- Hybrid working (3 days a week in our Newbury office)
- 25 days annual leave + birthday day off + option to buy/sell leave
- Enhanced parental leave
- Life assurance & income protection
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Generous staff discounts across our portfolio
We welcome applications from candidates who do not meet 100% of the requirements.
Technical Manager in Newbury employer: Freixenet-Copestick
At Bolney Wine Estate, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values every team member's contribution. As a Kitchen Hand, you'll enjoy flexible working hours, competitive pay, and unique benefits such as staff discounts and opportunities for training in wine education, all set in a stunning rural location. Join us to be part of a friendly team dedicated to excellence and personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Manager in Newbury
✨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 Freixenet-Copestick.
✨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 Freixenet-Copestick!
✨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 Freixenet-Copestick, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Freixenet-Copestick, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Manager in Newbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Freixenet-Copestick, 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 Freixenet-Copestick.
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 Freixenet-Copestick. 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 Freixenet-Copestick. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Freixenet-Copestick
✨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 Freixenet-Copestick’s mission.
