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- Tasks: Lead food safety and quality compliance in a vibrant artisan bakery environment.
- Company: Join GAIL’s, a renowned artisan bakery committed to excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy free food at work, generous discounts, and a supportive development programme.
- Why this job: Be part of a culture that values food safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field; experience in technical leadership required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth with regular pay reviews and a focus on team development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
ABOUT THE ROLE: As Category Technical Manager at GAIL’s, you will be at the forefront of food safety, quality, and compliance across a dynamic artisan bakery supply chain. RESPONSIBILITIES: Food Safety & Technical GovernanceEnsure all operational processes and finished goods are controlled through robust HACCP systems, delivering full compliance with food safety and legal obligations.Develop and trend HACCP KPIs, proactively driving improvement plans across supplier and internal sites.Lead root cause investigations into product deviations and implement robust CAPAs (corrective and preventive actions).Provide technical direction on food safety, allergen management, traceability, and critical control point adherence.Maintain technical governance to achieve audit readiness and alignment with internal, external, legal, and customer standards.Audit & Compliance ManagementLead preparation for and delivery of internal, supplier, and third-party audits, ensuring GAIL’s compliance to technical standards and brand promise.Collaborate with supply and production teams to close audit gaps and implement lasting improvements.Track and report performance against key audit metrics and customer requirements.Supplier & Customer InterfaceBuild strong technical partnerships with suppliers (e.g. CK), supporting selection, onboarding, and continuous improvement initiatives.Provide structured feedback to suppliers and internal teams based on customer concerns or audit findings.Quality Assurance & Continuous ImprovementSupport innovation and NPD by ensuring technical feasibility and risk mitigation during product launches or changes.Collaborate with operations to resolve concerns and prevent recurrence.Lead technical response in any crisis or serious non-conformance events.Leadership & Team DevelopmentProvide leadership and coaching across the technical function, ensuring team members are engaged, trained, and high-performing.Deliver team development plans, succession pipelines, and skills audits aligned to business growth.Promote a culture of ownership, food safety awareness, and continuous improvement across all sites.AND YOU THE MISSING INGREDIENT:Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related disciplineExtensive experience in a technical or quality leadership role within bakery, chilled, or broader FMCG sectorsStrong knowledge of UK/EU food legislation, HACCP, BRCGS, and customer standardsProven success managing suppliers, audits, and technical riskBENEFITS BAKED IN:Free food and drink when working50% off food and drink when not working25 days holiday + Bank holidayPension SchemeDiscounts and Savings from high-street retailers and restaurants24 hour GP serviceCycle to work schemeTwice yearly pay reviewDevelopment programmes for you to RISE with GAIL’s
Category Technical Manager employer: Gail's
Contact Detail:
Gail's Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Technical Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with HACCP systems and UK/EU food legislation. Understanding these frameworks will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to food safety and compliance, which is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the bakery and FMCG sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals for the Category Technical Manager position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led audits or managed supplier relationships in the past. Being able to articulate your experience with technical governance and compliance will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing how you've developed teams or driven continuous improvement initiatives. GAIL’s values a culture of ownership and engagement, so highlighting your ability to inspire and coach others will be beneficial.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Technical Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in food safety, quality assurance, and compliance. Emphasise your knowledge of HACCP systems and any leadership roles you've held in the bakery or FMCG sectors.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for food safety and quality management. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed suppliers or led audits in previous roles, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline. If you have additional certifications related to food legislation or quality standards, be sure to include those as well.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since the role involves team development and leadership, provide examples of how you've coached or developed team members in past positions. Highlight any initiatives you've led that promoted a culture of food safety and continuous improvement.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gail's
✨Know Your HACCP Inside Out
Since the role heavily focuses on food safety and HACCP systems, make sure you can discuss your experience with these processes in detail. Be prepared to explain how you've implemented or improved HACCP systems in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Audit Experience
Highlight any experience you have with internal, supplier, or third-party audits. Discuss specific examples where you led audit preparations or closed gaps identified during audits, as this will demonstrate your compliance management skills.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Category Technical Manager, you'll need to lead and develop teams. Prepare to share examples of how you've coached team members, promoted a culture of food safety, and driven continuous improvement initiatives in your past roles.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to food legislation, allergen management, and traceability. Brush up on UK/EU food laws and be ready to discuss how you've navigated technical challenges in the past, showcasing your problem-solving abilities.
