Technical Assurance Manager in Northampton

Technical Assurance Manager Location: Multi site role with travel across UK sites and supplier locations Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience We are working with a well established food manufacturer who are looking to appoint a Technical Services Manager to join their UK management team. This is a senior technical role with responsibility for leading the technical services function, managing a small team and ensuring robust food safety, quality, supplier assurance and regulatory standards across the business. The role You will take ownership of technical systems across a multi site operation, ensuring the business continues to meet legal requirements, customer codes of practice and recognised food safety standards. A major part of the role will be focused on supplier and raw material assurance, technical auditing, HACCP compliance and supporting continuous improvement across the wider business. You will also work closely with customers, procurement, NPD and operational teams, providing technical support and challenging where necessary to ensure standards are maintained. Key responsibilities • Lead and develop the technical services function across multiple locations • Manage and maintain food safety and quality systems including HACCP, VACCP and TACCP • Lead supplier approval, vendor assurance and raw material risk management activity • Carry out and manage supplier audits and follow up corrective actions • Maintain compliance with BRC and other relevant third party standards • Monitor supplier performance and manage supplier scorecards • Maintain technical documentation and quality management systems • Ensure compliance with relevant food legislation, labelling and regulatory requirements • Support internal and external audits and manage non conformances • Work closely with procurement and NPD on raw material and supplier issues • Build strong relationships with customers and act as a key technical point of contact • Produce technical reports and provide updates on quality and supplier performance • Lead, coach and develop a small technical team About you You will ideally have: • A degree or equivalent qualification in a food related discipline • At least 4 years relevant technical experience within food manufacturing, ingredients or a similar environment • Previous supervisory or team management experience • Strong knowledge of HACCP and food safety systems • Experience of supplier auditing, vendor assurance and raw material approval • Good knowledge of BRC or BRCGS standards • Strong understanding of food legislation and regulatory compliance • Experience dealing directly with customers and external auditors • The confidence to challenge stakeholders and stand your ground when required • Strong communication, planning and problem solving skills This role would suit someone currently working as a Technical Manager, Technical Services Manager, Supplier Quality Manager, Technical Assurance Manager, Food Safety Manager or Quality Manager who is looking for a broader senior position with real influence across the business. If you are interested in discussing the role confidentially, please get in touch for more information