Senior Technical Manager in Dungannon

About the Role

Mackle Petfood's is one of the UKs leading pet food manufacturers, producing high-quality wet pet food products for customers across the UK and international markets. We are seeking an experienced and driven Senior Technical Manager to lead and develop the technical function across the business. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of product safety, quality, legality and compliance while driving continuous improvement initiatives and promoting a strong quality culture throughout the organisation. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced technical professional looking to play a key role within a growing and innovative manufacturing business.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the Technical Team to ensure products are manufactured to standards that meet or exceed internal or external specifications.
• Develop and maintain a robust quality management system with an auditing programme that continues to meet the requirements set by BRCGS and major retailers.
• Develop and maintain HACCP Plans in line with legislative requirements for the industry and recognised standards as appropriate.
• Progress the company technical strategy, to show continuous improvement.
• Work with the Technical Manager in developing a quality culture throughout the business to continuously improve against standards.
• Jointly host customer audits, assist customers in technical issues and support the commercial team.
• Liaise with the competent health authority (DAERA) to ensure compliance with statutory regulations.
• Report regularly to the management team on all aspects of product safety, legality, quality and product process controls.
• Ensure performance of critical tasks to maintain product safety and quality (e.g., calibration, temperature monitoring, etc.)
• Ensure corrective action is implemented if product/procedures deviate from the standard.
• Assume responsibility for the training and supervision of process operatives in quality systems and procedures.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of UK and EU legislation for pet food safety and labelling.
• Assist Logistics Department in certification for export and import.
• Any other duties as required, within reason and capability, to fulfil the company’s needs.

Candidate Profile

Essential Qualifications & Knowledge

• Degree in Food Technology, Food Science or a related discipline.
• Proven experience managing and maintaining BRCGS accreditation.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance and auditing frameworks.
• HACCP Level 4 qualification.

Desirable Qualifications

• Intermediate Food Hygiene qualification.
• Thermal Processing Certification.

Essential Experience

• Minimum of 5 years management experience within a technical, quality or food manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading and developing teams.
• Strong IT skills, including experience using Microsoft Office and business systems.
• Experience managing audits and working with regulatory authorities.

Desirable Experience

• Experience within the pet food, food manufacturing or related industry.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build effective working relationships at all levels.
• Proven leadership and people management capability.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Self-motivated and able to work on own initiative.
• Results-focused with a proactive approach to continuous improvement.
• Experience implementing new systems and processes.

Other Requirements

• Flexibility to work additional hours when required to meet business needs.
• Full commitment to maintaining the highest standards of food safety, quality and compliance.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Private Medical Insurance, including cover for partners and dependants.
• 22 days annual leave plus 9 statutory closure days.
• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme.
• Additional annual leave based on length of service.
• Company Pension Scheme.
• Enhanced Maternity Pay, Paternity Pay and Adoption Pay.
• IVF Leave Pay.
• Employee wellbeing initiatives promoting a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
• Staff discounts on our range of quality pet food products.
• On-site electric vehicle charging points.
• Free on-site parking.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Career Progression.