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.
- 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.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career advancement opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 58000 £ per year.
Kent | £50,000–£55,000 (DOE) | Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm (flexibility 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
- 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
- Primarily office-based in Sidcup
- 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.
Locations
Technical Manager in Kent, Sidcup employer: Henderson Brown
Contact Detail:
Henderson Brown Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Manager in Kent, Sidcup
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Technical Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. We want to show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the team culture. Tailor your answers to reflect their focus on food safety and compliance.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to technical management and food safety. We can’t stress enough how important it is to articulate your experience with BRCGS standards and customer complaint management clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind. We recommend mentioning something specific from your conversation to show your genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Manager in Kent, Sidcup
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 skills match what we're looking for!
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 quality. Share specific examples of how you've managed compliance or improved processes in previous roles.
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge: In your application, don't forget to mention your knowledge of BRCGS standards and HACCP. We love candidates who can demonstrate their understanding of these crucial areas, so make it clear how you’ve applied this knowledge in your work.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Henderson Brown
✨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 prepare examples of how you've managed customer specifications or resolved complaints in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Technical Manager, you'll be leading teams and managing audits. Think of specific instances where you've led a team or project successfully. Highlight your experience with HACCP and how you've fostered a strong food safety culture in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially around compliance and quality issues. Prepare to discuss how you would handle a product rejection or a non-conformance situation, demonstrating your methodical approach and attention to detail.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready 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.