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- Tasks: Lead technical operations in a high-profile food manufacturing site and drive performance standards.
- Company: One of the UK’s largest food manufacturers with a dynamic and complex operation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, private healthcare, and clear career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive culture focused on leadership, trust, and team development.
- Why this job: Shape your career trajectory while making a real impact in a flagship operation.
- Qualifications: Experience in chilled or high-risk food manufacturing at a senior level is essential.
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.
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
Contact Detail:
The Sterling Choice Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Technical
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local food manufacturing 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 interviews! Research common questions for technical leadership roles and practice your responses. We want you to showcase your ability to challenge constructively and make balanced decisions.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your presence! If you get the chance, visit the site before your interview. Familiarise yourself with the operation and engage with the team. We believe being approachable and visible is key to demonstrating your leadership style.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. We’re excited to see how you can drive technical performance to the next level!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Technical
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Technical role. Highlight your experience in chilled, high-care or high-risk food manufacturing, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership style and successes!
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 high-profile position. Talk about your ability to drive technical performance and build relationships, and make sure to convey your passion for the food manufacturing industry.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise your leadership style. We want to see how you’ve built trust and driven performance in your previous roles. Share specific examples of how you’ve managed teams and navigated challenging situations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Sterling Choice
✨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 implemented these 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 elevated your team while maintaining high standards. This will resonate well with the company's need for a credible leader.
✨Be Ready for Tough Conversations
Since this role involves managing customer relationships and navigating difficult discussions, think of scenarios where you've had to challenge constructively. Show them you're not just a 'yes' person but someone who can make balanced decisions.
✨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 consistency in technical standards. This will show you're aligned with their expectations.