At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage technical, quality and compliance activities across suppliers and product categories.
- Company: A leading fresh produce business supplying major UK retail customers based in Kent.
- Benefits: Excellent exposure across retail-facing technical operations and long-term career development.
- Other info: The role is permanent and based in Kent.
- Why this job: Join a growing technical team to drive quality and innovation in the fresh produce sector.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Technical Manager or similar role in fresh produce or FMCG is required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
A leading fresh produce business supplying major UK retail customers is looking to recruit an experienced Technical Manager to join its growing technical team based in Kent. This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially aware and hands-on technical professional who enjoys working closely with suppliers, growers, customers and internal teams to drive quality, compliance and continuous improvement across the supply chain. The role offers strong exposure across retailer-facing technical management, supplier engagement, product quality, innovation and sustainability initiatives within a fast-paced fresh produce environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage day-to-day technical, quality and compliance activities across suppliers and product categories
- Build strong working relationships with suppliers, growers, technical teams and commercial stakeholders
- Support retailer requirements, policies, standards and audit expectations
- Lead supplier visits, improvement plans and technical follow-up actions
- Monitor complaints, rejections, shelf life and KPI performance, driving corrective actions and improvements
- Maintain specifications, technical documentation and compliance systems
- Support product trials, benchmarking, packaging developments and innovation projects
- Work closely with procurement, product management and operational teams to ensure customer expectations are achieved
- Support audits, due diligence and compliance activities across the supply base
- Drive continuous improvement across product quality, systems and processes
Experience Required
- Previous Technical Manager, Technical Account Manager or Technical Compliance experience within fresh produce, food manufacturing or FMCG
- Strong experience working directly with customers, suppliers and growers
- Knowledge of retailer standards, specifications and compliance requirements
- Experience managing complaints, rejections, audits and quality performance
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Organised, proactive and capable of working within a fast-paced environment
Desirable
- Fresh produce experience
- Experience working with M&S, Tesco, Waitrose, Ocado or similar retail standards
- BRCGS knowledge
- Internal auditing experience
- Experience with technical portals, specifications and ERP systems
Whats on Offer
- Excellent exposure across retail-facing technical operations
- Opportunity to influence supplier quality, innovation and continuous improvement
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
- Long-term career development within a growing business
To apply, please send your CV for confidential consideration.
Technical Manager (Food Industry) (Permanent) in Maidstone employer: Fresh People Ltd
This fresh produce business offers a supportive and collaborative working environment in Kent. Employees benefit from excellent exposure to retail-facing technical operations and opportunities for long-term career development. The team focuses on driving quality, compliance, and continuous improvement across the supply chain.
