At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical and quality operations, ensuring product safety and compliance.
- Company: Established specialist manufacturer with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunity to shape technical strategy.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and cross-functional collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while driving quality and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and extensive experience in technical leadership.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
- Monday - Friday
- Food Safety and HACCP Level 3 as a minimum.
Talent Guardian is partnering with an established and growing specialist manufacturer based near Farnborough to recruit an experienced
Head of Technical .
This is a senior leadership opportunity within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
You will lead the site's technical and quality operations, shape its technical strategy and ensure the highest standards of product safety, quality, compliance and sustainability.
Reporting directly into the international parent company, you will oversee the Technical, Quality Assurance and Quality Control functions while working closely with Operations, Supply Chain and other senior stakeholders.
- What you'll be doing
- Lead the site's technical function, ensuring products meet all safety, quality, legality and organoleptic requirements.
- Define and implement quality and sustainability standards across the manufacturing process.
- Ensure compliance with industry and international standards, including BRCGS, IFS, FDA and ISO 14001.
- Lead external certification audits, regulatory inspections and internal technical assessments.
- Own the site's Quality Management System, quality objectives, KPIs and management-review process.
- Oversee change-control processes relating to products, raw materials and manufacturing processes.
- Lead, develop and support the Technical, Quality Assurance and Quality Control teams.
- Manage supplier quality, including supplier approvals, audits and performance reviews.
- Investigate technical issues using root-cause analysis and implement effective corrective and preventative actions.
- Identify and manage risks relating to product safety, quality, suppliers and regulatory changes.
- Champion continuous improvement through Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen or similar methodologies.
- Work cross-functionally to drive the technical, quality and sustainability agenda.
What we're looking for
- A degree in Food Science, Biological Science, Microbiology or a related subject.
- A recognised Lead Auditor or Lead Assessor qualification.
- Food Safety and HACCP Level 3 as a minimum.
- At least five years' experience in a senior technical leadership role within food or another highly regulated manufacturing environment.
- Proven experience leading and developing Technical, QA and QC teams.
- In-depth knowledge of Quality Management Systems and standards such as BRCGS, IFS and FDA.
- Experience managing regulatory inspections and certification audits.
- Strong knowledge of product safety, quality and regulatory compliance.
- Experience managing supplier and contractor relationships, including audits and performance reviews.
- Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder-management skills.
- Strong problem-solving ability and a proactive, hands-on approach.
- Full UK driving licence.
Experience within liquid manufacturing, fermentation, nutritional products, functional beverages, dairy, brewing or another controlled biological process would be particularly advantageous.
Head of Technical in Farnham employer: Talent Guardian Careers
Join a well-established food manufacturer located on the picturesque Wiltshire, Berkshire and Hampshire border, where your contributions as a Site Engineer will be truly valued. With a competitive salary package, including a generous night shift bonus, and a supportive work culture that fosters employee growth, you will have the opportunity to make a real impact within a close-knit engineering team. This role not only offers hands-on experience but also significant potential for career advancement in a thriving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Technical in Farnham
✨Join Food Science Communities
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✨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 Talent Guardian Careers!
✨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 Talent Guardian Careers, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Technical in Farnham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Talent Guardian Careers, 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 Talent Guardian Careers.
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 Talent Guardian Careers. 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 Talent Guardian Careers. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent Guardian Careers
✨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 Talent Guardian Careers’s mission.
