head of technical

The Bread Factory is London’s leading Artisan Bakery, known for award-winning breads, pastries, and cakes, supplying top-quality products across e-commerce, grocery, food services, and retailers such as our GAIL’s Bakeries nationwide. As our teams grow, we seek our next Head of Technical to join our team. We Care about a Job Well Done: Since 1993, we have been champions in traditional baking with the finest ingredients and techniques. We always do things the right way, not the easy way. We Care about Baking: At The Bread Factory, all our teams take pride in crafting beautiful, freshly baked loaves, pastries, and cakes. We are all passionate about our products and share knowledge among us all. We Care about Each Other: We always act with respect, empathy, and support to our employees, neighbours and customers. We Care about Community: We believe in minimising unsustainable practices and reducing waste. While ensuring we continue to provide everyone with nutritious high-quality food. Every day is different at The Bread Factory, but here are some of the things you will be doing: In this pivotal role, you’ll lead our Technical function, ensuring that product safety, quality, and compliance are embedded throughout the business. You’ll champion a strong food quality culture, uphold the highest standards, and oversee all technical systems and procedures in line with legislation, customer expectations, and BRC requirements. Develop and implement technical procedures, risk assessments, and compliance systems. Lead responses to legislative changes, evolving customer standards, and industry developments to enhance our Technical Management System. Maintain, develop, and critically review the Technical/Quality Plan to meet BRC standards and customer needs. Lead and participate in technical improvement initiatives; respond to crises with thorough root cause analysis and corrective actions. Monitor laboratory performance to ensure alignment with internal standards and external benchmarks. Communicate effectively with senior customers and stakeholders on audits, compliance, investigations, and continuous improvement. Lead internal, external, customer, and supplier audits, ensuring audit readiness and technical excellence. Provide expert support across Procurement, NPD, Operations, and cross-functional project teams. Oversee NPD trials and manage the critical path to ensure product safety and quality standards are met. Coach and support Unit Managers in fostering a proactive food safety and quality culture. Set the Technical team up for success by aligning them with the wider Technical Strategy. Build strong relationships with senior leadership and external partners, influencing decisions at all levels. Stay engaged with relevant industry networks and forums to maintain up-to-date knowledge. Our team tells us you will be a great addition if you have experience in: Degree in Food Science and a Lead Auditor qualification HACCP Level 4 and Food Safety Level 3 10+ years of experience in technical/quality roles within fast-paced food manufacturing environments Strong experience working with major UK retailers and knowledge of BRC standards Proven track record in leading technical teams and embedding food quality culture Strategic thinker with the ability to make sound tactical decisions Excellent interpersonal, motivational, and influencing skills Strong commercial awareness and analytical capability Confident in engaging at all levels, both internally and externally What’s in it for you: Fresh bread daily to take home to enjoy with family and friends. 50% discount at GAIL’s and 40% off at The Bread Factory & The Flour Station Markets. 25 days holiday + bank holidays Discounts and Savings from high-street retailers and restaurants 24-hour GP service Cycle to work scheme #NPRO