Head of Technical

TN United Kingdom; Glenbervie; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in food manufacturing seeks a dynamic Head of Technical to lead quality and compliance functions. This pivotal role involves strategic leadership, ensuring food safety standards, and fostering a culture of excellence. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in quality assurance and a strong background in food safety systems. Join us to shape our standards and make a significant impact!

Benefits

Annual Leave: 33 days

Profit-Related Pay

Pension Perks

Health and Wellness Buffet

Eco-Friendly Commute

Lifelong Learning

Family First

Exclusive Employee Benefits

Group benefits after probation

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ experience managing a similar function.
• Proven track record in Quality Assurance leadership.
• HACCP & Hygiene certification is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical, food safety, and compliance functions.
• Manage departmental budgets and resource planning.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Analytical Thinking

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

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Let us introduce ourselves - Macphie, an internationally acclaimed family ingredient manufacturer, proudly situated in the picturesque and tranquil landscapes of Glenbervie in Aberdeenshire with sites in Glasgow and Midlands too. Our expertise spans across a spectrum of delectable delights, including sauces, bakery creations, and heavenly ice cream toppings. We also cater to the evolving culinary landscape with our plant-based and gluten-free offerings. Trusted partners to some of the globe's leading food brands, we are dedicated to transforming ideas and creativity into tangible, delectable solutions.

About the role

We’re looking for a dynamic and strategic Head of Technical to lead our technical, food safety, and compliance functions across the business. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring our operations meet and exceed the highest standards, including BRCGS, B-CORP, SEDEX, and customer-specific requirements.

As Head of Technical, you will lead and inspire the Quality and Technical teams across both production sites, championing a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. You’ll play a vital role in shaping our quality and food safety culture, while also contributing to cross-functional projects such as Capital Investments.

This role also carries accountability for departmental budgets and the integrity of our quality, legality, and food safety standards across the entire organisation.

Key Responsibilities

As Head of Technical, you will play a pivotal leadership role in ensuring the highest standards of technical excellence, food safety, legal compliance, and product integrity across the business. Your responsibilities will include:

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Provide expert strategic direction on all technical, food safety, and legal compliance matters.
• Foster a strong, business-wide quality and food safety culture rooted in a "right first time" approach.
• Own and manage departmental budgets and resource planning to support business objectives.
• Lead, develop, and mentor the Quality and Technical teams across multiple sites.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement initiatives, setting clear KPIs and ensuring effective monitoring and review.
• Support cross-functional Continuous Improvement projects in collaboration with site General Managers.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Maintain and continuously improve documented systems aligned with standards such as BRCGS, B-CORP, SEDEX, and customer-specific requirements.
• Oversee implementation and auditing of food safety systems (HACCP, TACCP, VACCP).
• Act as the lead contact for customer technical audits, regulatory inspections, and supply chain schemes (e.g. RSPO, Fair Trade, Halal, Kosher).
• Manage non-conformances, customer complaints, and root cause analysis, ensuring timely corrective actions.
• Ensure robust traceability and mass balance through ERP systems.

Quality Control & Product Integrity

• Take ownership of all quality control and assurance across raw materials, packaging, and finished goods.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to reduce non-conforming stock and improve product compliance and integrity.
• Oversee procurement of technical equipment and services in line with budget.
• Lead the management and enhancement of the document control system.

People & Team Management

• Oversee all testing, calibration, and standardisation processes handled by Quality Control teams.
• Lead recruitment, training, and performance management within the department.
• Ensure effective resource planning and task allocation to meet operational targets.
• Facilitate team briefings, training workshops, and departmental meetings to align and motivate staff.

Reporting & Communication

• Deliver regular reports on departmental KPIs, compliance performance, and improvement initiatives.
• Represent the Quality function in cross-functional meetings and business reviews.
• Handle customer correspondence related to product complaints and manage issue escalation processes.
• Ensure proactive communication of key issues and progress updates across the business.

Business Support & Development

• Approve critical documentation.
• Respond to customer technical queries and support internal audits and assessments.
• Explore opportunities for system and equipment improvements to enhance efficiency and testing accuracy.
• Champion Macphie’s technical expertise and brand reputation within the wider industry.
• Act as the lead Quality representative in crisis scenarios, including product withdrawals and recalls.
• Maintain business continuity plans and ensure Health & Safety and Data Protection compliance across the function.

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science / Food Technology, or a related scientific discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Proven track record in Quality Assurance leadership within the food manufacturing industry.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience managing a similar function, preferably in food manufacturing
• HACCP & Hygiene certification is desirable
• Proven experience and ability to manage people, processes, and technology
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent planning, organisational, and time management abilities.
• High-level technical competence and understanding of food safety systems.
• Effective communicator with strong presentation and influencing skills.
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking capabilities.
• Collaborative and commercially aware mindset.
• Proficient IT skills and ERP system experience.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of quality improvement methodologies and key performance measurement.
• Experience in Thermal Processing of Liquids desirable
• Knowledge /understanding in microbiology desirable
• Knowledge /understanding of food industry codes of practice and BRCGS standards, British Retail Consortium - Global Standard for Food Safety
• Chain of Custody understanding /appreciation

Role holder will hold a full driver’s licence and have the ability to travel away from home inclusive of overnight stays during the working week as required.

At Macphie, we believe in creating a supportive, innovative, and high-performing environment where our people can thrive. As Head of Technical, you’ll play a central role in shaping our standards and reputation while making a real impact across the business. If you're a strategic leader with a passion for quality and a drive for continuous improvement, we’d love to hear from you. Join us and help take our technical excellence to the next level.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Apply now by submitting your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role. We’re excited to learn more about how you can contribute to our ongoing success at Macphie.

Indulge in the Sweet Perks of Joining Macphie!

At Macphie, we believe in crafting not only delightful culinary experiences but also providing our team with a recipe for success in their professional lives. Here is a taste of how we'll look after you as part of our Sweet Success:

• Annual Leave: Recharge your batteries with a generous annual leave entitlement of 24 days, plus 9 public holidays, giving you a refreshing total of 33 days to explore, relax, and savour life outside of work.
• Profit-Related Pay (PRP): Your dedication will not go unnoticed! Enjoy conditional PRP, aligning with our company's performance and rewarding your commitment to our shared success.
• Additional bonus reflecting the status of this role being in the senior leadership team
• Pension Perks Secure your financial future with our pension enrolment, where you contribute 5%, and we match it with a 10% employer contribution.
• Health and Wellness Buffet: We care about your well-being. Access our Employee Assistance Program, a 24/7 GP line, and indulge in our cycle-to-work scheme. Keep your mind and body in top shape with our Leisure Subsidy Scheme and free fruit offerings.
• Eco-Friendly Commute: Embrace sustainable living with our electric car charging stations. Enjoy the convenience of free parking while contributing to a greener planet.
• Lifelong Learning: Cultivate your mind with our company further education scheme and unlock opportunities for personal and professional growth.
• Family First: We support your journey into parenthood with enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay.
• Exclusive Employee Benefits: Revel in exclusive benefits like an education bursary via our employee trust and Funeral Concierge provided by Everest Funeral Concierge Service, a brand-new benefit.
• Beyond Probation: Once you have passed probation over the initial three months, you will then be able to unlock an array of group benefits, including private medical insurance & Westfield Health cash plan, permanent health insurance, and 3 x death in service life assurance.

To see all of the Macphie employee benefits please click here.

And now, let us talk about what we need from you:

Like every employer, legally, we require to check and confirm that you have the right to work in the UK. If we offer you a job and you accept, there are some checks that we need to complete before you can start with us. In addition to the above, we will also collect satisfactory employment references.

Closing Date for Applications: Sunday 8th June 2025