Technical Manager in Maidstone

Are you an experienced technical professional ready to step into a customer-facing leadership role within the fresh produce sector?

Were looking for a Technical Manager to join a leading fresh produce business based in Kent, supporting both UK and overseas growers while managing key retail customer relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead technical management for several major retail accounts, ensuring all quality and compliance standards are met.
• Communicate regularly with UK and overseas growers, providing technical support and quality updates.
• Deliver and maintain technical policies, KPIs, and product specifications across the supply base.
• Conduct supplier audits and manage compliance with food safety standards (e.g. BRC, GlobalGAP, SMETA).
• Represent the business at customer meetings, site visits, and during tenders.
• Support company-wide ethical, sustainability, and food safety goals.
• Monitor industry and retail trends, responding to technical issues as needed.
• Provide hands-on support across the wider technical team and cover as required.

What Youll Need:

• Strong background in technical management within fresh produce
• In-depth knowledge of food safety, product integrity, and retailer technical requirements.
• Experience with technical auditing and risk-based supplier management.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally.
• Working knowledge of BRC, GlobalGAP, SMETA, SEDEX, and Red Tractor standards.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and familiar with platforms such as Teams and Zoom.
• Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel nationally and internationally.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing team in a varied and dynamic role, supporting high-profile customers and a broad grower base across the UK and abroad.