At a Glance
- 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: Dynamic 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 £ 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. High profile. High expectation. And 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.
What's in it for you? 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 in Slough employer: The Sterling Choice Ltd
Join a leading food manufacturing operation in East London, where you will have the opportunity to shape the future of technical standards and performance. With a strong focus on employee development, a supportive work culture, and a clear pathway for career progression, this role offers not just a job, but a chance to make a significant impact in a high-profile environment. Enjoy competitive benefits including a generous salary, car allowance, and private healthcare, all while working in a dynamic and engaging setting that values leadership and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Technical in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can get you in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how you’d handle challenging situations, especially around technical standards and team dynamics. We want you to show off your problem-solving skills and leadership style.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research the company culture! Understanding their values and how they operate will help you align your answers during interviews. We’re all about finding the right fit, so show them you’re on the same page.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Technical in Slough
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 customer relationships 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 leadership style and how you build trust while maintaining high standards. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can challenge constructively!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've successfully led teams and improved technical standards. We love numbers, so if you can quantify your successes, even better!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Sterling Choice Ltd
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and standards in food manufacturing, especially in chilled and high-care environments. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully driven technical performance in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your people-focused leadership approach. Think about times when you've built trust and credibility with your team while maintaining high standards. This is crucial for a role that requires managing a large team.
✨Be Ready for Tough Conversations
Since this role involves navigating difficult discussions, think of scenarios where you've had to challenge the status quo or make tough decisions. Show that you can balance being approachable with holding others accountable.
✨Engage with the Operation
Demonstrate your commitment to being present on the factory floor. Share your thoughts on how visibility and engagement with the team can drive performance and culture. This will show that you're not just a desk-based leader.
