Factory Technical Manager

Pioneer Selection Ltd; South Kirkby; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable food processing firm in South Kirkby is seeking an experienced Factory Technical Manager to lead technical and quality functions. The ideal candidate will have management experience and extensive knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP, and UK food law. This role involves ensuring compliance with food safety standards and leading a high-performing team. Competitive salary of £45,000–£50,000 and a standard weekday work schedule are offered, along with opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Standard weekday working hours

Opportunity for professional development

Qualifications

• Proven management experience in technical roles.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety regulations (BRCGS, HACCP).
• Strong communication skills with cross-departmental influence.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical and quality agenda across the factory.
• Ensure compliance with UK food law and customer standards.
• Manage and mentor the technical teams.

Skills

Management experience

Knowledge of BRCGS

HACCP knowledge

Communication skills

Passion for continuous improvement

Job description

Factory Technical Manager

Location: Kirby, West Yorkshire

Salary: £45,000 – £50,000

Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00am–3:30pm (40 hours per week)

Are you an experienced Technical Manager with a strong background in food safety, quality, and leadership within the meat or chilled food sector? We’re recruiting for a Factory Technical Manager to lead the technical, quality, and food safety functions at a well‑established meat processing site in West Yorkshire.

(Please note: this site is not an abattoir. It slices, dices, and packs lamb and beef for major meal‑kit and retail customers.)

The Role

As Factory Technical Manager, you will play a pivotal role in safeguarding product integrity, driving technical excellence, and ensuring full compliance across the site. You’ll lead a high‑performing team, manage all technical systems, and act as the primary contact for customers, auditors, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the technical and quality agenda across the factory.
• Oversee and continuously improve QMS and technical standards.
• Ensure all products meet internal, customer, and legislative requirements.
• Maintain compliance with UK food law, FSA standards, BRCGS, Red Tractor, and customer COPs.
• Ensure HACCP systems are maintained, validated, and effectively implemented.
• Lead root cause analyses and implement corrective and preventative actions.
• Deliver CI projects focused on yield, efficiency, waste reduction, and consistency.
• Use data and technical insight to influence operational decision‑making.
• Work cross‑functionally with Production, Engineering, NPD, and Supply Chain.
• Lead all internal audits, customer visits, BRCGS audits, and regulatory inspections.
• Ensure perpetual audit readiness and close out non‑conformances promptly.
• Manage, mentor, and develop the Technical, QA, and Hygiene teams.
• Support training, competency development, and succession planning.
• Build a culture of accountability and continuous learning.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, traceability, and testing records.
• Manage non‑conformance data and customer complaints.
• Provide reports and insights to senior leadership.
• Act as the key technical contact for customers and suppliers.
• Manage complaint investigations and corrective actions.
• Oversee supplier and ingredient approval processes.
• Identify and mitigate emerging quality, legality, and food safety risks.
• Lead responses to incidents, including traceability exercises and recalls if required.

The Ideal Candidate

• Proven management experience.
• Excellent knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP, UK food law, and customer COPs.
• Strong communicator, with the ability to influence across departments.
• Passionate about continuous improvement and technical leadership.

Benefits

• Competitive salary: £45,000–£50,000
• Standard weekday working hours
• Opportunity to lead and shape technical strategy on a reputable site