Category Technical & Quality Manager

JR United Kingdom; Windsor; Hybrid; GBP 49,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in confectionery and food manufacturing is seeking a Technical Head to lead product innovation and quality management. The role encompasses extensive technical knowledge in food safety and audit experience, requiring leadership in a dynamic, cross-functional team environment. The position offers flexible working arrangements and a competitive salary with benefits.

Benefits

Top-tier learning and development support

Competitive salary and benefits

Annual bonus

Qualifications

• Science Degree with food manufacturing/quality background.
• Experience in auditing is preferable.
• Knowledge in allergen management and risk assessment.
• Strong project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Technical and Quality aspects for the category.
• Lead new product and packaging development.
• Conduct technical audits of contract manufacturers.
• Resolve technical quality issues.

Skills

Food manufacturing knowledge

Food Safety Management Standards

Risk management skills

Stakeholder management

Project management

Education

Science Degree

Job description

Location: Slough, UK

Salary Range: £ 49,000 - 60,000, annual bonus, benefits

Job Purpose/Overview

Mars Chocolate Drinks and Treats is an entrepreneurial arms-length business focused on extending the Mars brands into new categories beyond confectionery through external partners (suppliers and distributors). The business operates in categories such as Milk Drinks, Hot Chocolate, Cakes & Bakes, Desserts, Chocolate Spreads, Cake Mixes, Free From, and Quick Serve Restaurants across the UK and Europe.

We are offering a unique opportunity to lead the technical delivery of a category, managing supplier/customer relationships across Q&FS, technical, legal compliance, and NPD as a Technical Head. The role requires 2 days per week in the office, with potential for 3 days remote work. From June 2025, the role will be based in Slough.

We seek a candidate with technical expertise and broad experience in food manufacturing, from product innovation to Quality and Food Safety management. The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, working in a cross-functional team, and be connected to business results while gaining external insights and working within an agile environment.

What are we looking for?

Knowledge/Experience

• Science Degree with food manufacturing/quality background
• Audit experience (preferable)
• Allergen management knowledge and risk assessment skills
• Strong project management skills

Key Functional Competencies & Technical Skills

• Food manufacturing knowledge/experience
• Food Safety Management Standards (GMP, GHP, HACCP, allergens)
• Risk management skills
• Lead auditor qualification (preferable)
• Stakeholder management

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all Technical and Quality aspects for this category
• Lead the category in developing and delivering new products and packaging with co-manufacturers
• Implement and maintain Mars Quality standards and initiatives
• Conduct technical audits of contract manufacturers
• Manage technical documentation for existing products and communicate updates to suppliers
• Monitor industry trends and incorporate insights into product development
• Address non-conformance issues, acting as the technical contact for factories
• Resolve technical issues impacting quality, cost, or supply
• Collaborate on new product development, including sample review and artwork coordination

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with diverse, talented teams guided by the Five Principles
• Join a purpose-driven company committed to building a better tomorrow
• Receive top-tier learning and development support, including Mars University
• Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits, including a bonus

Mars is committed to diversity and inclusion, providing accommodations during the application process upon request. For assistance, complete our Reasonable Adjustment Request Form here.

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Mars is an equal opportunity employer, considering all qualified applicants without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics. Reasonable accommodations are available during the application process upon request.