At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop technical teams to ensure top-notch food safety and quality.
- Company: Join a leading UK food manufacturer known for quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career progression in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in food safety and quality while working with top brands.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
An established food manufacturer. A complex, high-volume operation. A senior technical leadership role where experience, judgement and pragmatism really matter.
We're partnering with a major food manufacturer to recruit an experienced Technical Manager for one of its flagship UK operations.
This is a substantial, well-established manufacturing site producing a diverse range of products for major blue‑chip customers. With over 300 SKUs, significant production volumes and an extensive programme of customer and accreditation audits, it's an environment that demands a technically accomplished, commercially aware leader.
We're looking for someone who knows how to run a Technical function in the real world. Someone who can maintain uncompromising food safety standards while building relationships, making sensible risk‑based decisions and working collaboratively with Operations, Engineering and the wider leadership team.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Plant Manager and sitting on the Site Leadership Team, you'll take full responsibility for Technical, Quality and Hygiene across the operation.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the site's food safety, quality and hygiene strategy, ensuring compliance with BRCGS, customer standards and relevant legislation.
- Taking ownership of HACCP, TACCP, food defence, food fraud and quality management systems.
- Leading a busy programme of customer, third‑party and accreditation audits, ensuring the site remains audit‑ready.
- Managing and developing the Quality and Hygiene teams, building a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
- Working closely with Operations and Engineering to resolve technical challenges through pragmatic, risk‑based decision‑making.
- Driving improvements in complaints, right‑first‑time performance, hygiene standards and quality KPIs.
- Supporting NPD, capital investment and the introduction of new products, processes and equipment.
- Acting as the site's senior technical authority, balancing robust standards with a collaborative, solutions‑focused approach.
About You
We're particularly interested in speaking with established Technical Managers who have spent a significant part of their careers leading Technical functions within complex food manufacturing environments.
Ideally, you'll bring:
- Extensive experience as a Technical Manager or Site Head of Technical within food manufacturing.
- A background in bakery, cakes, biscuits, pastries, pies, frozen foods or similarly complex, multi‑ingredient products.
- Strong exposure to major retailers, blue‑chip food businesses and demanding customer codes of practice.
- Deep technical expertise across food safety, HACCP, auditing and quality management systems.
- Experience managing Technical and Hygiene teams in busy, established manufacturing environments.
- The confidence to challenge when necessary, coupled with the diplomacy to influence stakeholders at every level.
- A calm, measured leadership style and the ability to distinguish genuine food safety risks from issues that can be resolved pragmatically.
- We're not necessarily looking for someone chasing their next promotion. We'd be equally interested in an accomplished Technical Manager who enjoys the challenge of running a complex site and wants to make a lasting impact.
The Package
Bonus: 10%
Pension: 5.3% employer contribution
Healthcare: Private healthcare allowance being introduced
Location: Wirral, Merseyside
Interested?
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Technical Manager to join a substantial food manufacturing business in a genuinely influential site leadership position.
For a confidential conversation, contact Gilbert Gregory at Gregory Walker.
Technical Manager employer: Gregory Walker
Gregory Walker is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of the East Midlands. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the company fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, ensuring that team members are equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel in their roles. Additionally, the commitment to food safety and quality not only enhances job satisfaction but also contributes to meaningful work that impacts the community positively.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Manager
✨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 Gregory Walker.
✨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 Gregory Walker!
✨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 Gregory Walker, 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 Gregory Walker, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Gregory Walker, 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 Gregory Walker.
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 Gregory Walker. 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 Gregory Walker. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gregory Walker
✨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 Gregory Walker’s mission.
