At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical excellence and food safety across multiple fresh produce sites.
- Company: Join a leading fresh produce and food manufacturing business.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunity for impactful work.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong relationships across major UK retailers.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in food safety and quality at a senior level.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Technical Director or similar in food manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Job Description
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Fresh Produce | Food Manufacturing | Multi-Site Operations The Opportunity Fresh People are recruiting for an experienced and commercially astute Technical Director to join a leading, multi-site fresh produce and food manufacturing business supplying major UK retailers.
This is a high-profile senior leadership appointment with responsibility for driving technical excellence, food safety, product integrity, quality and compliance across a complex, fast-paced operational environment.
We are looking for an inspirational technical leader who can influence at every level, develop high-performing teams, challenge existing practices and embed a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and Right First Time performance.
Provide strategic technical leadership across multiple food manufacturing and fresh produce operations.
Take overall responsibility for food safety, quality, legality, product integrity and regulatory compliance.
Lead, develop and empower multi-site technical and quality teams, establishing clear standards, accountability and performance expectations.
Drive improvements in GMP, audit performance, technical governance and operational compliance.
Build strong relationships with major UK retail customers, certification bodies, auditors and regulatory authorities.
Lead the technical response to significant food safety incidents, product withdrawals, recalls and customer escalations.
Partner closely with Operations, Production and Commercial teams to deliver sustainable improvements without compromising food safety or customer requirements.
Implement consistent technical systems, standards and governance across multiple sites.
Promote proactive risk identification, early escalation and evidence-led decision-making.
Provide technical leadership and strategic input at senior management level, supporting wider business objectives and operational growth.
You will be an established senior technical leader with a proven track record within fresh produce, chilled food, food manufacturing or a similarly demanding FMCG environment.
Essential Experience & Capabilities Significant experience operating at Technical Director, Head of Technical or equivalent senior leadership level.
Proven responsibility for technical standards, food safety and compliance across multiple operational sites.
Strong understanding of major UK retailer technical requirements, customer audits and food safety certification standards.
Demonstrable experience leading technical teams through complex audits, regulatory challenges and food safety incidents.
Evidence of delivering measurable improvements in technical performance, GMP, compliance and operational culture.
Strong stakeholder management skills, with the credibility to engage confidently with major retailers, senior executives and operational teams.
Experience implementing consistent systems, processes and technical governance across complex operations.
If you are an experienced Technical Director or Senior technical leader looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a leading fresh produce and food manufacturing organisation, we would welcome a confidential conversation.
Apply through Fresh People Limited with your CV, highlighting your multi-site leadership experience and measurable technical achievements.
Locations
Chief Technical Manager in Kent, Sittingbourne employer: Fresh People Ltd
Join a dynamic fresh produce business in Bearsted, Maidstone, where your passion for product quality and data can flourish. We offer a collaborative work culture that values innovation and hands-on experience, providing you with opportunities to engage directly with growers and breeders while developing your skills in product evaluation and emerging technologies. With a focus on employee growth and exciting projects, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the fresh produce industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Technical Manager in Kent, Sittingbourne
✨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 Fresh People Ltd.
✨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 Fresh People Ltd!
✨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 Fresh People Ltd, 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 Fresh People Ltd, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Technical Manager in Kent, Sittingbourne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Fresh People Ltd, 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 Fresh People Ltd.
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 Fresh People Ltd. 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 Fresh People Ltd. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fresh People Ltd
✨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 Fresh People Ltd’s mission.
