At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical operations, ensuring food safety and compliance in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a growing fresh produce business with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food safety standards and customer relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in fresh produce, HACCP Level 3, and strong IT skills required.
Are you an experienced Technical professional with a strong background in fresh produce? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment where food safety, quality, and compliance are at the heart of the business?
We are looking for a Technical Manager to support a Head of Technical and play a key role in maintaining the highest standards across site, suppliers, and customers.
The Role
As Technical Manager, you will be responsible for supporting the technical function across customer, supplier, and site operations. This is a varied role that combines customer specification management, audit leadership, compliance oversight, and team collaboration. You'll be a key driver in ensuring compliance with industry standards including BRCGS and Red Tractor, while fostering a strong food safety culture throughout the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Customer & Product Management
- Manage and maintain product specifications and customer requirements
- Maintain temporary specification trackers and customer platforms
- Oversee supplier approvals and due diligence documentation
- Investigate and resolve complaints and product rejections
- Support QC operations in the absence of the Quality Manager
- Conduct third-party packing facility visits as required
- Approve labels for packed-at-source products
- Liaise with at-source technical teams and travel when required
- Conduct benchmarking and GAP analysis
- Site & Compliance
- Lead the on-site HACCP Team (Level 3 minimum required)
- Manage internal audits (GMPs), non-conformances, and corrective actions
- Maintain and update site policies and procedures relating to food safety, legality, quality, and authenticity
- Prepare and lead monthly SMM meetings, analysing technical data
- Host third-party audits (BRCGS, Red Tractor, LEAF)
- Maintain systems aligned with BRCGS and Red Tractor standards
- Identify and organise training needs, maintaining accurate training records
- Promote and embed a strong food safety culture
About You
To succeed in this role, you will have:
- Essential experience within fresh produce (fruit & veg)
- Strong working knowledge of food safety, quality systems, and QMS
- HACCP Level 3 (minimum)
- Experience working with retail customers
- In-depth knowledge of BRCGS standards and customer complaint management
- Excellent IT skills (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Strong organisational skills with a methodical and detail-focused approach
- Ability to prioritise effectively in a deadline-driven environment
- A full UK driving licence (essential)
- Spanish language skills (desirable)
Working Environment
- Collaborative, team-focused culture
- Fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail required
Why Join?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing business where you'll have real influence over technical standards, customer relationships, and compliance performance. You'll work closely with senior leadership and play a pivotal role in maintaining excellence across the supply chain.
If you are a proactive, driven Technical professional ready for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you.
Technical Manager in Dartford employer: Henderson Brown Recruitment
Join a dynamic and growing company in Dartford as a Technical Manager, where you will be at the forefront of ensuring food safety and quality standards. With a collaborative work culture that values team input and offers opportunities for professional growth, you will have the chance to influence key technical processes and customer relationships. Enjoy a competitive salary and the flexibility of a Monday to Friday schedule, all while contributing to a business that prioritises excellence in the fresh produce sector.
Contact Details:
Henderson Brown Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Manager in Dartford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fresh produce industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Technical Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of BRCGS standards and food safety regulations. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled compliance challenges in the past, as this will show you're the right fit for maintaining high standards.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and expertise in fresh produce. Use our website to find roles that excite you and tailor your approach to each one, highlighting your relevant experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest in the role and mentioning something specific from the conversation can keep you top of mind for hiring managers. It shows you're keen and professional!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Manager in Dartford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Technical Manager role. Highlight your experience in fresh produce and any relevant food safety qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about food safety and compliance. Share specific examples of how you've driven standards in previous roles, as this will resonate with us.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your IT skills and organisational abilities. Mention any experience with BRCGS standards or customer complaint management. We love seeing candidates who can prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Henderson Brown Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of food safety, quality systems, and BRCGS standards. Be ready to discuss how your experience in fresh produce aligns with the role, and think of specific examples where you've successfully managed customer specifications or resolved complaints.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Technical Manager, you'll be leading teams and managing audits. Prepare to share instances where you've led a team or project, particularly in a fast-paced environment. Highlight your experience with HACCP and how you've fostered a strong food safety culture in previous roles.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to compliance and quality management. Think about how you would handle a product rejection or a non-conformance issue. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the company's approach to food safety and compliance. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values. Questions about their training programmes or how they maintain their standards can be great conversation starters.
