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- Tasks: Lead technical operations, ensuring food safety and quality compliance across the business.
- Company: Join Taiko, a pioneering sushi manufacturer with a legacy of innovation in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, private medical plan, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in food safety while leading a dynamic technical team.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in food manufacturing and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and access to exclusive discounts.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 80000 £ per year.
Head of Technical
Technical – Taiko Acton
Contract: Full Time
Salary: 75,000 to 80,000
Contracted Hours: 40
Established in 1997 as the first manufacturer of sushi for the UK supermarket industry, Taiko has evolved into the most innovative manufacturer of Sushi, Food To Go, Prepared Meals and Snacking products in the UK, supplying Waitrose, Tesco and Sainsbury’s to name a few. Over the past 25 years Taiko has launched more first to market Sushi and Food to Go products than any other sushi manufacturer in the UK.
• Extensive experience in a senior technical or quality management role within the food manufacturing industry.
• Strong knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP, food safety legislation, and retailer technical requirements.
• Proven experience in leading audits, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
• Exceptional leadership skills with experience in developing and managing high-performing technical teams.
• Extensive working knowldge of Listeria Management, ready-to-eat (RTE) food safety, and root cause analysis (RCA)
As a Head of Technical , you will be the key technical interface for customers, internal teams, and suppliers, ensuring the highest standards of food safety, quality, and legal compliance. Reporting directly to the Head of Technical, you will lead the technical team, drive continuous improvement, and provide strategic direction to enhance technical operations and compliance.
Key Responsibilities:
• Strategic Leadership: Provide senior-level technical expertise, advising the business on food safety, compliance, and quality standards to align with company objectives and industry best practices.
• Technical Governance: Oversee all aspects of food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance, ensuring full adherence to legal, corporate, and BRCGS accreditation requirements.
• Supplier & Customer Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and customers, providing technical leadership and ensuring all products meet agreed standards.
• Quality Management System (QMS): Ensure the QMS is effectively managed, regularly reviewed, and continuously improved to drive operational excellence.
• Audit & Compliance Management: Lead customer and third-party audits, ensuring the business consistently meets certification and compliance standards.
• HACCP & Risk Management: Lead the HACCP team, ensuring effective risk assessments, reviews, and implementation of corrective and preventative actions.
• Supplier Assurance & Compliance: Oversee supplier audits and approvals, ensuring a robust supplier management system is in place to maintain product integrity and quality.
• Technical Team Leadership: Manage and develop the technical team, providing coaching, training, and succession planning to build capability and expertise.
We\’re proud to offer:
- Opportunity to grow your career alongside with us with available apprentice program
- Brilliant support services designed to enhance your physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
- Annual discretionary bonus subject to business and overall performance
- Discretionary Life Assurance
- Discretionary Income Protection
- Group Personal Pension
- Private Medical Cash Plan
- Bespoke reward platform including access to retail, cinema & gym discounts.
Salary: 75,000 to 80,000
Contracted Hours: 40
Established in 1997 as the first manufacturer of sushi for the UK supermarket industry, Taiko has evolved into the most innovative manufacturer of Sushi, Food To Go, Prepared Meals and Snacking products in the UK, supplying Waitrose, Tesco and Sainsbury’s to name a few. Over the past 25 years Taiko has launched more first to market Sushi and Food to Go products than any other sushi manufacturer in the UK.
• Extensive experience in a senior technical or quality management role within the food manufacturing industry.
• Strong knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP, food safety legislation, and retailer technical requirements.
• Proven experience in leading audits, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
• Exceptional leadership skills with experience in developing and managing high-performing technical teams.
• Extensive working knowldge of Listeria Management, ready-to-eat (RTE) food safety, and root cause analysis (RCA)
As a Head of Technical , you will be the key technical interface for customers, internal teams, and suppliers, ensuring the highest standards of food safety, quality, and legal compliance. Reporting directly to the Head of Technical, you will lead the technical team, drive continuous improvement, and provide strategic direction to enhance technical operations and compliance.
Key Responsibilities:
• Strategic Leadership: Provide senior-level technical expertise, advising the business on food safety, compliance, and quality standards to align with company objectives and industry best practices.
• Technical Governance: Oversee all aspects of food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance, ensuring full adherence to legal, corporate, and BRCGS accreditation requirements.
• Supplier & Customer Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and customers, providing technical leadership and ensuring all products meet agreed standards.
• Quality Management System (QMS): Ensure the QMS is effectively managed, regularly reviewed, and continuously improved to drive operational excellence.
• Audit & Compliance Management: Lead customer and third-party audits, ensuring the business consistently meets certification and compliance standards.
• HACCP & Risk Management: Lead the HACCP team, ensuring effective risk assessments, reviews, and implementation of corrective and preventative actions.
• Supplier Assurance & Compliance: Oversee supplier audits and approvals, ensuring a robust supplier management system is in place to maintain product integrity and quality.
• Technical Team Leadership: Manage and develop the technical team, providing coaching, training, and succession planning to build capability and expertise.
We\’re proud to offer:
- Opportunity to grow your career alongside with us with available apprentice program
- Brilliant support services designed to enhance your physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
- Annual discretionary bonus subject to business and overall performance
- Discretionary Life Assurance
- Discretionary Income Protection
- Group Personal Pension
- Private Medical Cash Plan
- Bespoke reward platform including access to retail, cinema & gym discounts.
Head of Technical employer: Taiko
Contact Detail:
Taiko Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Technical
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. We want you to show genuine interest in Taiko and its innovative approach to food manufacturing. Tailor your answers to reflect how your experience aligns with their values and goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family. We suggest focusing on common questions related to technical leadership and compliance, so you can confidently showcase your expertise when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. We believe it shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Technical
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Technical role. Highlight your extensive experience in food manufacturing and any specific achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a technical team, don’t forget to showcase your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've developed high-performing teams and driven continuous improvement in previous roles. We love to see strong leaders!
Be Specific About Compliance Knowledge: We’re keen on your knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP, and food safety legislation. Be specific about your experience with these standards in your application. It’ll show us you’re serious about food safety and compliance, which is crucial for this position.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company culture and values.
How to prepare for a job interview at Taiko
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP, and food safety legislation. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in your previous roles, especially in leading audits and managing supplier relationships.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in developing and managing high-performing technical teams. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, this is a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about Taiko's current technical operations and how they align with industry best practices. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
Be ready to discuss how you've driven continuous improvement in your past roles. Share specific examples of how you've enhanced quality management systems or implemented corrective actions that led to better compliance and safety standards.
