At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical and quality operations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Company: Established specialist manufacturer near Farnborough with a focus on quality and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunity to shape technical strategy.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and innovative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on product safety and quality while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant science, senior leadership experience, and strong knowledge of quality standards.
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
Join a well-established commercial vehicle business in Wimborne, Dorset, as an Aftersales Manager and enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and customer satisfaction. With a competitive salary of £40,000 - £55,000 and generous holiday allowances, this role offers the chance to lead a dedicated team while making a significant impact on workshop performance and customer experience. The company fosters continuous improvement and provides opportunities for professional growth, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Technical in Farnham
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Talent Guardian, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Technical in Farnham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Talent Guardian specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent Guardian
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Talent Guardian, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Talent Guardian value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
