At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to ensure top-notch food safety and quality standards.
- Company: Join Hughes Group, a trusted name in fresh mushrooms and plant-based products.
- Benefits: Negotiable salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a chance to develop your leadership skills.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in food safety while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in a Quality or Technical role; knowledge of HACCP and food safety.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
About Hughes Group
With over 65 years of experience, Hughes Group is a trusted name in fresh mushrooms and innovative plant-based products across the UK. We work in close partnership with leading retailers and food service providers and are known for our quality, reliability, and customer-first approach. While we’re proud of our heritage, our focus is firmly on the future. As a growing FMCG business, we’re investing in innovation, sustainability, and most importantly our people.
The Role
Hughes Group is recruiting for a newly created Assistant Technical Manager role within our growing Technical and Quality Team. Supporting the Technical Manager and deputising in their absence, you will help maintain the highest standards of food safety, quality, legality and compliance across our factory operations. Working closely with Production, Quality and Technical teams, you will ensure products meet customer, legal and certification requirements, drive continuous improvement, maintain audit readiness, and lead and develop a team. This is a hands-on role requiring a strong factory presence and responsibility for the site's Technical Services and Quality Management Systems.
- Hours: Choice of Tuesday Saturday OR Sunday Thursday / 8am 5pm
- Salary: Negotiable, dependent on experience
- Reports to: Technical Manager
- Location: Dungannon
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, coach and develop a team, ensuring high standards of performance and compliance.
- Manage the day-to-day operation of the Technical Services department and deputise for the Technical Manager when required.
- Ensure compliance with customer, legal and accredited standards, including BRCGS, HACCP and other relevant food safety requirements.
- Drive continuous improvement of the Quality Management System, HACCP programme and audit readiness.
- Investigate non-conformances, customer complaints and quality issues, implementing effective corrective and preventative actions.
- Coordinate internal audits, testing programmes and cleaning validation activities, ensuring accurate records and trend analysis.
- Maintain technical documentation, specifications and quality records to support compliance.
- Provide technical support and training across the business and act as the key technical contact for production and quality teams.
- Support supplier approval activities and prepare for customer, regulatory and third-party audits.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties in support of the Technical function and wider business.
Essential Criteria
- 3+ years experience in a Quality or Technical role within the food manufacturing industry
- Sound understanding of food safety and quality management systems
- Good knowledge of HACCP principles and food safety legislation
- Experience working to customer and industry standards within a food manufacturing environment.
- IT literate with experience using Microsoft Office applications
- Ability to prioritise workloads and work effectively under pressure
- Strong sense of accountability and ownership
Desirable Criteria
- Qualification in a Technical, Quality or Food-related discipline (e.g. Food Science, Food Technology, Quality Management)
- Experience working to customer and industry standards within a food manufacturing environment
- Experience within chilled, frozen or high-risk food manufacturing
- Experience of supplier approval and supplier management
- Experience delivering training and coaching colleagues on food safety and quality systems
- Experience of managing a team
Closing Date: 4th August
Assistant Technical Manager in Dungannon employer: Hughes Group
Hughes Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee wellbeing and development. With fantastic working hours and a commitment to innovation and sustainability, our HGV Class 1 Drivers enjoy competitive pay, ongoing training opportunities, and a vibrant company culture filled with social events. Join us in Dungannon and be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to quality and customer satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Technical Manager in Dungannon
✨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 Hughes Group.
✨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 Hughes Group!
✨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 Hughes Group, 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 Hughes Group, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Technical Manager in Dungannon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Hughes Group, 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 Hughes Group.
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 Hughes Group. 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 Hughes Group. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hughes Group
✨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 Hughes Group’s mission.
