At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical, quality assurance, and hygiene functions in a dynamic food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Established family-run food manufacturing business in Yorkshire.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence site standards and work closely with senior leadership.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on product quality and customer relationships.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food safety and quality while driving continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: Senior Technical Management experience in food manufacturing and degree-level qualification.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Location: West Yorkshire
The Opportunity
I am looking to speak with a Head of Technical to lead its Technical, Quality Assurance and Hygiene functions at its South Kirkby manufacturing site. Reporting directly to the GM, this is a senior leadership opportunity where you'll take overall responsibility for technical standards, food safety, quality and hygiene performance across the site. You'll play a key role in maintaining customer confidence, ensuring compliance with retailer standards and driving a culture of continuous improvement and brand integrity throughout the operation.
The Role
This is a senior, hands‑on leadership position where you'll oversee the wider Technical function, managing a team of departmental managers and ensuring the business consistently delivers against customer, legislative and food safety requirements. You'll work closely with the GM & SLT, providing technical direction, strengthening customer relationships and ensuring robust systems and processes are maintained across the operation.
In this role, you will:
- Lead and manage the Technical, QA, Hygiene and Raw Material functions, ensuring all departments operate effectively against site objectives.
- Maintain and develop the site's Food Safety, Quality and Hygiene Management Systems, ensuring compliance with legislation, customer requirements and retailer codes of practice.
- Take ownership of the site's HACCP and TACCP plans, ensuring food safety, product integrity and risk management controls remain effective.
- Lead customer, retailer and third‑party audits, ensuring non‑conformances are investigated, corrective actions implemented and standards consistently maintained.
About You
We're looking for an established Technical leader with a strong background in food manufacturing, ideally within a protein‑based environment. You'll have the ability to lead multiple technical functions, influence at senior level and maintain strong relationships with major retail customers.
Essential
- Previous experience in a senior Technical Management position within food manufacturing.
- Degree‑level qualification (or equivalent) in a food related subject.
- Experience working within a food production environment, ideally within protein‑based manufacturing.
- Strong experience managing Quality Management Systems, HACCP and TACCP.
- Experience leading customer and third‑party audits, with exposure to major retailers.
Desirable
- Previous experience working with major retailers, particularly M&S and Tesco.
- Experience overseeing Technical, QA, Hygiene and Raw Material functions.
- Previous experience within meat, poultry or wider protein manufacturing.
About the Business
Our client is an established food manufacturing business based in Yorkshire. Whilst they have the backing of a wider group, still operate as a family ran business. The business places significant importance on product quality, food safety, customer relationships and maintaining the highest standards of technical compliance and brand integrity.
What's On Offer?
An excellent opportunity to take ownership of the wider Technical function within an established food manufacturing operation. You'll have the opportunity to influence site‑wide standards, lead multiple departments and work closely with senior leadership and major retail customers to drive technical performance and continuous improvement.
Why True North Talent?
True North Talent specialises exclusively in recruitment across the UK food and drink manufacturing industry. We understand the sector, the challenges businesses are facing and the experience required to succeed within it. Our specialist consultants work closely with both clients and candidates to ensure we're not simply matching a CV to a job description – we're helping people make the right career move and businesses secure the expertise they need.
We are only able to consider candidates who have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application.
Head Of Technical employer: My Recruitment Site
My Recruitment Site is an attractive employer due to its focus on employee ownership and impact within the food manufacturing sector. The company fosters a collaborative work culture and provides opportunities for professional growth and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Technical
✨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 My Recruitment Site.
✨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 My Recruitment Site!
✨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 My Recruitment Site, 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 My Recruitment Site, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Technical
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at My Recruitment Site, 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 My Recruitment Site.
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 My Recruitment Site. 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 My Recruitment Site. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at My Recruitment Site
✨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 My Recruitment Site’s mission.
