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- Tasks: Lead technical operations in a flagship food manufacturing site and drive performance standards.
- Company: One of the UK's largest food manufacturers with a strong focus on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, private healthcare, and clear career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Engaging environment with a focus on team development and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food manufacturing while advancing your career to group leadership.
- Qualifications: Experience in chilled or high-risk food manufacturing and proven leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 95000 ÂŁ per year.
This is a rare opportunity to lead technical at one of the UK's largest and most complex food manufacturing operations. A flagship site with high profile and high expectation, providing a genuine platform into a future group-level role.
The site employs over 1,000 people and supplies a broad portfolio of complex products across both retail and foodservice channels. From a food safety perspective, the site is in a strong position. The challenge now is around consistency, standards and driving technical performance to the next level.
There is a clear strategy already in place. What's needed is someone capable of executing it - building alignment across the operation, strengthening the culture and ensuring technical standards are consistently delivered throughout the site.
As the lead technical contact for customers, you'll play a key role in managing relationships, building credibility and navigating difficult conversations when required. This is not a role for someone who simply says “yes” to everything. The business needs a strong, commercially aware technical leader who can challenge constructively and make balanced decisions.
Reporting into group with a dotted line into site leadership, you'll take ownership of the technical function, including budget responsibility and leadership of a team of 25+. A Technical Manager sits beneath you, meaning much of your time will naturally be customer and strategy focused. That said, visibility on the factory floor is essential. The business wants a leader who is present, approachable and engaged with the operation - someone who supports, develops and elevates the people around them.
This is the kind of role that genuinely changes the trajectory of your career. Successfully delivering at this site will place you firmly on the radar for future progression within the wider group. The exposure, scale and complexity of the operation will give you the opportunity to operate at a very senior level, with a clear pathway toward group leadership in the future.
Background
It is essential that you have experience within chilled, high-care or high-risk food manufacturing, ideally gained in a large, fast-paced and complex operation. You'll already be operating at Senior Technical Manager or Head of Technical level and be able to demonstrate success in leading teams, managing customer relationships and driving standards within demanding manufacturing environments.
Equally important is your leadership style. The business is looking for someone grounded, credible and people-focused - a leader who can build trust across the site while still holding high standards and driving performance.
Interested in finding out more? Apply below for a confidential conversation. There may be flexibility for the right individual.
Head of Technical employer: The Sterling Choice Ltd
Contact Detail:
The Sterling Choice Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Technical
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the food manufacturing industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up and shine! When you get the chance to meet with potential employers, whether it’s an interview or an informal chat, be present and engaged. Bring your A-game, showcase your leadership style, and demonstrate how you can drive technical performance and build strong relationships.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your successes! Prepare examples of how you've led teams, managed customer relationships, and improved standards in previous roles. This will help you stand out as a credible candidate who can challenge constructively and make balanced decisions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can give you a better chance of getting noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team!
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 experience in chilled, high-care or high-risk food manufacturing, and showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how you've driven technical performance and managed teams in complex environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Talk about your experience with customer relationships and how you can challenge constructively while maintaining high standards. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, make sure to highlight your people-focused leadership style. We’re looking for someone who builds trust and engages with their team. Share examples of how you've supported and developed those around you in previous roles.
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 this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Sterling Choice Ltd
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of chilled, high-care, and high-risk food manufacturing. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in these areas and how you've successfully navigated them. This role demands a strong technical background, so show them you’ve got it!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership approach. They’re looking for someone who is grounded and people-focused, so think about times when you’ve built trust and elevated your team. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to manage relationships and drive performance.
✨Be Ready for Tough Conversations
This isn’t a role for someone who just says 'yes' to everything. Think of instances where you’ve had to challenge the status quo or navigate difficult discussions with customers or team members. Show them you can balance being approachable with holding high standards.
✨Engage with the Operation
They want a leader who is visible and engaged on the factory floor. Prepare to discuss how you plan to maintain that presence while managing a large team. Highlight your strategies for building alignment across operations and ensuring technical standards are consistently met.