At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead food safety and quality initiatives at our premium seafood site.
- Company: Join Sofina Foods, a leader in quality meats and seafood.
- Benefits: Enjoy a car allowance, pension scheme, enhanced sick pay, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to innovation and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food quality and safety while shaping the future of our site.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 38250 - 46750 £ per year.
Drive quality culture and technical excellence at our premium seafood site.
Our new Technical Manager will play a key role within the Livingston site leadership team, taking ownership of food safety, product quality, regulatory compliance and customer standards across the operation. Working closely with our long-standing customer partner, Waitrose, you’ll lead the Technical and Hygiene teams, build a proactive quality culture and support the site through change, continuous improvement and growth. This is a hands-on technical leadership role, suited to an experienced food manufacturing professional who enjoys working closely with operational teams and making a visible difference on the shop floor. This role is based 5 days a week onsite in Livingston.
Your Key Responsibilities:
- Building a culture where food safety and quality are owned by everyone.
- Leading, coaching and developing the Technical and Hygiene teams.
- Maintaining food safety, legal, quality and customer standards through effective daily controls.
- Building a trusted technical partnership with Waitrose and delivering the standards expected by a premium retailer.
- Leading customer, third-party and regulatory audits and maintaining inspection readiness.
- Using data, trends and performance measures to identify risks and drive continuous improvement.
- Supporting change and improvement initiatives while protecting product quality and food safety.
The Ideal Candidate:
You will be an experienced technical professional with the credibility to influence at all levels and a practical approach to quality leadership. You’ll ideally bring:
- Experience in a Technical Manager or senior technical role within food manufacturing.
- Experience in a high-care or high-risk production environment.
- Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP, BRCGS and customer standards.
- Experience managing customer relationships and external audits.
- A track record of delivering change and continuous improvement.
- Strong leadership, coaching and stakeholder management skills.
- Seafood experience is advantageous, although other protein or highly regulated food manufacturing experience will be considered.
Why Sofina Foods?
This is an opportunity to make a real impact at a premium seafood site, working with an established retail partner and a team that values quality, collaboration and continuous improvement. You’ll have the opportunity to shape technical culture, develop your team and play a key role in the site's future growth.
Equal Opportunities:
Sofina Foods is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences – regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
Schedule: Monday to Friday
Location: Livingston, West Lothian
Hours of Work: Full-time
Technical Manager in Livingston employer: Sofina Foods Europe
Sofina Foods Europe is an exceptional employer located in Haverhill, Suffolk, offering a dynamic work environment where employees are valued and supported. With a strong focus on safety, hygiene, and quality, the company provides extensive training and growth opportunities for its team members, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence. Joining Sofina means being part of a dedicated team that prioritises both personal development and the highest standards in food manufacturing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Manager in Livingston
✨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 Sofina Foods Europe.
✨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 Sofina Foods Europe!
✨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 Sofina Foods Europe, 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 Sofina Foods Europe, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Manager in Livingston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Sofina Foods Europe, 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 Sofina Foods Europe.
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 Sofina Foods Europe. 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 Sofina Foods Europe. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sofina Foods Europe
✨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 Sofina Foods Europe’s mission.
