At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical and quality strategies in a high-growth food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Dynamic food manufacturing company with exciting expansion plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, and excellent benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for long-term career progression and significant retailer exposure.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food safety and quality in a growing business.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field; experience in technical leadership.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 95000 £ per year.
A high-growth High Care food manufacturing site in Hampshire is entering a significant expansion phase and is seeking an experienced Technical Leader to join its senior leadership team. The business produces a range of branded and private label ambient products for major UK retailers and international markets. Following recent capital investment and with a clear three-year growth strategy in place, the site is positioned to substantially increase revenue and operational capability.
To support this next stage of development, the Head of Technical is required to lead and evolve the site’s technical and quality agenda.
The role: This is a senior multi-site leadership role with full accountability for food safety, quality and regulatory compliance. Key responsibilities include:
- Leading all sites Quality & Food Safety Strategy
- Ensuring full compliance with BRC standards and all customer Codes of Practice
- Acting as the primary contact for retailer technologists, audits and regulatory inspections
- Managing the introduction of new product lines from a technical and compliance perspective
- Driving continuous improvement across GMP, hygiene, allergen management and pest control
- Analysing quality and food safety metrics to identify trends and deliver measurable improvement
- Generating internal management review documentation and external customer technical reports
- Leading technical investigations in partnership with production and engineering
- Contributing to Capex discussions, process improvements and equipment selection
- Reviewing and optimising the site’s technical structure and resource deployment
The role works closely with NPD, Engineering, Manufacturing, Commercial teams, raw material and packaging suppliers, third-party service providers and customer technical stakeholders.
The person: We are seeking a technically strong leader with:
- Degree qualification in Food Science, Food Technology or a related discipline
- Demonstrable experience in a similar technical leadership role within fast-paced food manufacturing, beverages or FMCG
- Multi-site experience
- Strong practical knowledge of BRC and retailer compliance frameworks
- HACCP and Food Safety qualifications (minimum Level 2, ideally advanced)
- Experience managing complex retailer technical relationships
- Strong analytical capability and data-led decision making
- Confidence in challenging existing systems and driving improvement
- Ability to operate effectively under tight deadlines and multiple priorities
- Excellent stakeholder management across operational and commercial teams
- Clear and confident communication at all levels
- A structured, logical approach to problem solving
- A continuous improvement mindset
- Experience within ambient and fresh categories would be advantageous.
Why Consider This Role?
- Senior leadership influence within a growing business
- Significant retailer exposure
- Clear strategic growth trajectory
- Opportunity to shape and modernise the technical systems and agenda
- Long-term career progression potential
This opportunity will suit an ambitious Senior Technical Manager who thrives in a growth environment and wants to play a meaningful role in delivering the next chapter of business performance.
To apply, please email your CV in confidence to.
Technical Manager - Food Manufacturing in Southampton employer: HPRtalent
Join a dynamic and rapidly expanding food manufacturing company in Hampshire, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the technical and quality agenda of a high-care environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, competitive benefits, and a collaborative work culture, this is an excellent opportunity for a Technical Manager to influence significant operational improvements and drive the business forward. The company's commitment to innovation and excellence ensures that you will be part of a team dedicated to delivering high-quality products to major UK retailers and international markets.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Manager - Food Manufacturing in Southampton
✨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 HPRtalent.
✨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 HPRtalent!
✨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 HPRtalent, 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 HPRtalent, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Manager - Food Manufacturing in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at HPRtalent, 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 HPRtalent.
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 HPRtalent. 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 HPRtalent. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at HPRtalent
✨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 HPRtalent’s mission.
