At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead food safety and quality initiatives while driving continuous improvement across the business.
- Company: Established food manufacturing business with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, senior leadership exposure, and potential for career progression.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant impact on customer relationships and operational performance.
- Why this job: Shape the technical direction of a growing company and influence key industry standards.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in food safety and quality within food manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
An established food manufacturing business in the Fermanagh area is seeking an experienced Head of Technical to lead its food safety, quality and compliance agenda. This is a rare opportunity to join a business with ambitious growth plans and play a key role in shaping technical strategy, driving continuous improvement and strengthening relationships with major customers and external stakeholders. For the right individual, there is potential for the role to develop beyond Head of Technical level.
As Head of Technical, you will take full ownership of food safety, legality and quality across the site, ensuring the business consistently delivers against customer, regulatory and industry standards. You will lead the technical function, providing direction and support to the wider technical team while driving continuous improvement initiatives across quality, hygiene and supply chain operations. The role will involve maintaining HACCP systems, overseeing audits and certifications, managing customer relationships, supporting new product development activity and ensuring compliance with key industry standards. You will also play a strategic role in business planning, working closely with senior leadership to drive technical excellence and operational performance.
What you'll need to succeed:
- Proven leadership experience within a senior Technical, Quality or Food Safety role in food manufacturing
- Strong working knowledge of HACCP, food safety legislation and quality management systems
- Experience managing customer, retailer and third-party audits, along with the successful close-out of corrective actions
- Strong understanding of industry standards such as BRC, retailer requirements and supply chain compliance
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to build relationships with customers, auditors and regulatory bodies
- A continuous improvement mindset with the ability to lead teams, influence change and drive technical performance across the business
What you'll get in return:
- Opportunity to join the senior leadership team and shape the technical direction of the business
- High-profile role with significant influence across food safety, quality, hygiene and compliance functions
- Exposure to major customer relationships, retailer standards and strategic business projects
- Autonomy to drive continuous improvement initiatives and develop technical systems across the operation
- Potential future progression into a broader multi-site technical leadership position
- Competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the seniority of the role
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Head of Technical employer: Hays Engineering
As a leading specialist in offsite, prefabricated MEP solutions, this company offers a dynamic and supportive work environment in Co Down, Northern Ireland. Employees benefit from comprehensive training, a competitive pension scheme, and generous annual leave, all while working in state-of-the-art facilities that promote continuous improvement and employee wellbeing. With a strong focus on career development and a friendly culture, this organisation is an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding opportunities in manufacturing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Technical
✨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 Hays Engineering.
✨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 Hays Engineering!
✨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 Hays Engineering, 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 Hays Engineering, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Technical
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Hays Engineering, 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 Hays Engineering.
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 Hays Engineering. 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 Hays Engineering. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Engineering
✨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 Hays Engineering’s mission.
