At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead food safety, quality, and compliance while driving continuous improvement.
- Company: Join a high-growth food business with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy opportunities for professional development and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to influence cross-functional teams and build industry relationships.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformational role that shapes the future of food safety and quality.
- Qualifications: Experience in technical standards and a passion for food safety is essential.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We're partnering with a fast-growing, premium food manufacturer to appoint a Head of Technical.
This is a business with a highly recognisable consumer brand, a strong position across UK retail and serious ambitions for growth. It has built an enviable reputation for quality and innovation and continues to invest in its products, people and manufacturing capability.
Technical will be central to what comes next.
The Opportunity
This is a high-profile leadership role with genuine scope to make an impact.
You'll take ownership of an established Technical function, but this isn't about simply maintaining standards. The business wants someone who can raise the bar - strengthening systems, developing people and building a genuinely best-in-class food safety and quality culture.
You'll have:
- Ownership of the site Technical agenda
- A broad remit across Technical, QA, Systems and Hygiene
- The opportunity to shape and develop the function
- Significant exposure to the wider senior leadership team
- The backing to drive meaningful change across the operation
- A key role in supporting the business through its next phase of growth
About the Role
As Head of Technical, you'll be the senior technical authority for the operation, ensuring the business delivers consistently against the highest standards of food safety, quality, legality and customer compliance.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Leading, coaching and developing the Technical, QA and Hygiene teams
- Driving a strong food safety and quality culture throughout the site
- Taking overall ownership of the QMS
- Maintaining and continually improving BRCGS, customer and regulatory standards
- Leading internal auditing, gap analysis and corrective action programmes
- Driving continuous improvement across Technical and the wider factory
- Leading supplier assurance and co-manufacturer standards
- Working closely with Operations to improve standards on the factory floor
- Partnering with NPD to ensure the safe and successful launch of new products
- Working cross-functionally with Operations, NPD, Commercial and Procurement
- Providing credible technical leadership and constructive challenge at senior level
Who We're Looking For
We're looking for someone with serious Technical credentials within food manufacturing - but just as importantly, someone who can lead.
You’ll ideally bring:
- Senior Technical leadership experience within food manufacturing
- Strong experience within high-risk / high-care chilled manufacturing
- Significant exposure to major UK retailers and own-label
- Excellent knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP, QMS and auditing
- Broad experience across Technical, QA and Hygiene
- A track record of raising standards rather than simply maintaining them
- Experience developing and improving Technical teams
- Strong factory and operational understanding
- The confidence to challenge, influence and bring people with you
- A pragmatic, hands-on leadership style
You could already be a Head of Technical or Technical Controller, or a Site Technical Manager.
For the right person, this is an opportunity to put your stamp on the Technical function of an ambitious, growing food business - with the visibility, autonomy and backing to make a genuine difference
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Head Of Technical employer: Gregory Walker Associates
Gregory Walker Associates is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values attention to detail and leadership in the luxury retail sector. Employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and development, with opportunities to enhance their skills in hygiene management. Working night shifts allows for a unique work-life balance, making it an attractive option for those seeking meaningful employment in a prestigious setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Technical
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest food safety regulations and standards, especially BRC. Being well-versed in these will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to quality and compliance.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food industry, particularly those involved in technical roles. Attend relevant forums and events to build connections that could provide insights or even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience in leading teams and driving continuous improvement initiatives. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully implemented changes that enhanced food safety and quality in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s current technical strategies and challenges. Tailor your discussions during interviews to show how your expertise can directly address their needs and contribute to their goal of being best in class.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Technical
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in food safety, quality assurance, and compliance. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and technical expertise in these areas.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for food safety and quality excellence. Discuss how your previous roles have prepared you for the challenges of being Head of Technical and how you can contribute to the company's ambitious goals.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your work history, focus on quantifiable achievements related to food safety and quality improvements. Use metrics to illustrate your impact, such as reductions in non-compliance incidents or successful audits.
Research the Company Culture:Understand the company's values and culture by researching their website and any available resources. Reflect this understanding in your application to show that you are a good fit for their team and share their vision for excellence.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gregory Walker Associates
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As the Head of Technical, you'll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of food safety, quality standards, and compliance. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully implemented technical strategies or improved quality systems.
✨Emphasise Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership capabilities. Highlight your experience in coaching and developing teams, and provide examples of how you've influenced cross-functional teams to achieve common goals. Show that you can inspire and motivate others to maintain high standards.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle audits or investigations. Prepare scenarios where you've faced challenges in food safety or quality compliance, and explain how you approached these situations and what the outcomes were.
✨Demonstrate Industry Knowledge
Stay updated on the latest trends and regulations in the food industry. During the interview, reference current issues or innovations that relate to the role. This shows your commitment to continuous improvement and your ability to stay connected with the wider industry.
