Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a QA team in a respected food manufacturing environment, ensuring standards and processes are met.
- Company: Join a global manufacturer known for its high volume and automated operations.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a leadership role with potential future opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape industry standards while developing your leadership skills in a supportive team culture.
- Qualifications: Analytical mindset, experience with complex machinery, and a passion for coaching others.
- Other info: This is a 12-month contract with no current plans for permanence.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
12 months. You could learn to play the guitar. Run a marathon. Master sourdough. Or you could step into one of the most respected food manufacturers in the industry, lead a QA team through a pivotal year, and make a serious name for yourself. This 12-month Technical Manager contract isn't your average maternity cover. It's a chance to shape standards, develop people, and play a key role in a slick, highly automated operation that values calm, competent leadership.
We're not just looking for someone to tick boxes or sign off audits. We're looking for a leader. Someone who can look at a process, ask intelligent questions, and engage the team to find solutions. Someone who can coach and develop the next generation of QA talent, while keeping a cool head when the pressure's on.
What's the deal? They're a global manufacturer pumping out some considerable volume. You'll be working with a team of Operators who handle their own testing (yep, they're accountable for that), so your role will be to ensure the standards are met and processes are understood. You'll report directly to Group and have a dotted line to the GM. You'll be part of the site's Senior Leadership Team, alongside the GM, Engineering Manager, and Operations Manager. It's a tight-knit group, and you'll need to hold your own.
Your team? You'll be leading a small bunch. The team needs a bit of TLC so if you're a natural people person who enjoys developing others, you'll fit right in.
What we need from you:
- Someone who's analytical and logical. You'll be looking at complex kit, pipe layouts, and process diagrams to figure out why things aren't quite right.
- Someone who can remain calm under pressure and methodical in their approach. Think of yourself as the adult in the room - the one who brings clarity and confidence when things go sideways.
- A people leader who can engage, coach, and inspire. You'll be working closely with the operators and wider team to ensure everyone understands their role in maintaining quality.
What's on the agenda? On the one hand, there are minimal audits. You'll be responsible for ensuring the site stays compliant, handling customer queries, and troubleshooting any issues that arise. There's no plan to make this role permanent (at least, not right now). But, hey - things change. If you make a strong impression, who knows what might come up in the future?
Why you? Maybe you've got a dairy background. Maybe you've worked in a highly automated environment before. Either way, if you know your way around complex machinery and can bring the right behaviours to the table, we want to hear from you. We're not looking for perfection. We're looking for someone who brings the right mindset and behaviours to the table.
Interested? Hit apply and let's talk.
Technical Manager Food Manufacturing in Milton Keynes employer: The Sterling Choice Ltd
Contact Detail:
The Sterling Choice Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Manager Food Manufacturing in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in food manufacturing. Being knowledgeable about automation and quality assurance processes will help you stand out during discussions with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food manufacturing industry, especially those who have experience in QA roles. Engaging with them can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which you can leverage during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your leadership skills by thinking of specific examples where you've successfully coached or developed a team. Highlighting these experiences will demonstrate your capability to lead and inspire others.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice staying calm under pressure by simulating high-stress scenarios related to quality assurance. This will help you articulate your problem-solving approach effectively during the interview, showing that you can handle challenges with confidence.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Manager Food Manufacturing in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in food manufacturing and quality assurance. Emphasise any leadership roles you've held and specific achievements that demonstrate your analytical and problem-solving skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the food industry and your leadership style. Mention how you can engage and develop a team, and provide examples of how you've successfully managed pressure in previous roles.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Detail your familiarity with complex machinery and automated processes. Include any specific technical qualifications or training that relate to the role, as this will show your capability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to team management, compliance, and troubleshooting. Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead under pressure and maintain high standards in quality assurance.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Sterling Choice Ltd
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
This role is all about leadership, so be prepared to discuss your experience in managing teams. Share specific examples of how you've engaged and developed team members in the past, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Thinking
Since the job requires a strong analytical mindset, come ready to talk about how you've tackled complex problems in previous roles. Be prepared to walk through your thought process when dealing with machinery or process issues.
✨Emphasise Calmness Under Pressure
The ability to remain calm and methodical is crucial for this position. Think of scenarios where you successfully managed stress and maintained clarity, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research the company’s values and culture before the interview. Be ready to explain how your personal values align with theirs, particularly in terms of teamwork and quality assurance, as this will show that you're a good fit for their environment.
