At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the technical team to ensure food safety and quality standards.
- Company: Join Taiko, the UK's leading sushi manufacturer with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, and support for your wellbeing.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the food industry while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in food manufacturing and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 80000 £ per year.
Overview Of The Role
Head Office - Technical. Contract: Full Time. Salary: 75,000 to 80,000. Contracted Hours: 40.
Established in 1997 as the first manufacturer of sushi for the UK supermarket industry, Taiko has evolved into the most innovative manufacturer of Sushi, Food To Go, Prepared Meals and Snacking products in the UK, supplying Waitrose, Tesco and Sainsbury’s to name a few. Over the past 25 years Taiko has launched more first to market Sushi and Food to Go products than any other sushi manufacturer in the UK.
As a Head of Technical, you will be the key technical interface for customers, internal teams, and suppliers, ensuring the highest standards of food safety, quality, and legal compliance. Reporting directly to the Technical Director, you will lead the technical team, drive continuous improvement, and provide strategic direction to enhance technical operations and compliance.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Provide senior-level technical expertise, advising the business on food safety, compliance, and quality standards to align with company objectives and industry best practices.
- Technical Governance: Oversee all aspects of food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance, ensuring full adherence to legal, corporate, and BRCGS accreditation requirements.
- Quality Management System (QMS): Ensure the QMS is effectively managed, regularly reviewed, and continuously improved to drive operational excellence.
- Audit & Compliance Management: Lead customer and third-party audits, ensuring the business consistently meets certification and compliance standards.
- HACCP & Risk Management: Lead the HACCP team, ensuring effective risk assessments, reviews, and implementation of corrective and preventative actions.
- Technical Team Leadership: Manage and develop the technical team, providing coaching, training, and succession planning to build capability and expertise.
- Innovation & Product Development Support: Collaborate with NPD, sourcing, and operational teams to ensure technical feasibility and compliance for new and existing products.
- Performance & Continuous Improvement: Monitor and drive improvements in departmental KPIs, challenging processes and implementing strategies to enhance overall performance.
- Regulatory & Industry Awareness: Stay ahead of changes in legislation and industry developments, ensuring timely implementation of new regulatory requirements.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Extensive experience in a senior technical or quality management role within the food manufacturing industry.
- Strong knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP, food safety legislation, and retailer technical requirements.
- Proven experience in leading audits, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
- Exceptional leadership skills with experience in developing and managing high-performing technical teams.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the ability to drive continuous improvement.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
We're Proud To Offer
- Opportunity to grow your career alongside with us with available apprentice program.
- Brilliant support services designed to enhance your physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
- Annual discretionary bonus subject to.
Head of Technical employer: The Wonderfield Group
At Taiko, we pride ourselves on being an innovative leader in the food manufacturing industry, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters growth and development. As the Head of Technical, you will benefit from a supportive culture that prioritises employee wellbeing, alongside opportunities for career advancement through our apprenticeship programme. Join us in our commitment to excellence and be part of a team that is dedicated to setting the highest standards in food safety and quality.
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 at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Know their products, values, and recent news. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Technical. Highlight your leadership skills and technical expertise confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
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 food safety, quality management, and any relevant leadership roles. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the food manufacturing industry and how your skills can help us at Taiko. Be sure to mention specific achievements that demonstrate your expertise.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Head of Technical, strong leadership is key. In your application, share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. We love to see candidates who can inspire and develop others!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Wonderfield Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP, and food safety legislation. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, as this will show your expertise and confidence in the technical aspects of the job.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your experience in developing high-performing teams and how you've driven continuous improvement. This is crucial for a Head of Technical role, so make it count!
✨Understand Their Business
Research Taiko and its products thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with their market position and recent innovations. Being able to discuss how you can contribute to their goals will impress the interviewers and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Think about potential challenges you might face in the role, such as managing audits or ensuring compliance. Prepare structured responses that outline your approach to problem-solving and risk management, showcasing your analytical skills and strategic thinking.
