Food Technical Manager

COREcruitment; Cheltenham; Hybrid; GBP 34,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing food business in Cheltenham is seeking a Technical Lead to oversee food safety, legality, and quality. The role involves leading technical activities, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring compliance with UK regulations. The ideal candidate has over 5 years in the food industry, a relevant degree, and HACCP Level 4 certification. This position offers a salary of up to £40k and requires 3 days a week in the office.

Benefits

Opportunity to lead technical assurance

Direct influence on compliance standards

Varied role across different functions

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience within a Technical function in the food industry.
• Strong knowledge of UK food regulations.
• Retail-facing experience is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead all technical and quality assurance activities across the site.
• Act as the primary contact for external auditors and regulatory bodies.
• Manage and maintain food safety and quality systems like HACCP.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Multiple priorities management

Education

Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology or equivalent

HACCP Level 4 certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Quality Management Systems (QMS)

Job description

Technical Lead – Food Safety & Quality

We are seeking an experiencedTechnical Leadto take responsibility for food safety, legality, and quality across a growing food business.Acting as the site’s technical authority, you will lead compliance with customer, legislative, and company requirements while driving continuous improvement and audit readiness.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all technical and quality assurance activities across the site.
• Act as the primary contact for external auditors, regulatory bodies, suppliers, and key customers on technical matters.
• Manage and maintain food safety and quality systems, including HACCP, traceability, and allergen risk assessments.
• Oversee technical relationships with suppliers to ensure the safety, quality, and legality of all ingredients.
• Ensure all product specifications are accurate, up-to-date, and compliant with customer and regulatory requirements.
• Manage the nutritional data of raw materials and finished products.
• Drive technical standards, systems, and audit readiness across the business.

About You

• Minimum 5 years’ experience within a Technical function in the food industry (retail-facing experience advantageous).
• Strong knowledge of UK food regulations, ideally across multiple food categories.
• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, or equivalent.
• HACCP Level 4 certified.
• Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and a proactive, solutions-focused mindset.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with stakeholders at all levels.
• Competent in Microsoft Office and experienced with quality management systems (QMS).
• Able to manage multiple priorities and perform under pressure.

What’s on Offer

• Opportunity to lead technical and quality assurance across a respected food business.
• Direct influence on food safety, quality, and compliance standards.
• A role with variety – spanning audit readiness, supplier management, product specifications, and customer interaction.

Based in Cheltenham, 3 days a week in office and paying up to £40k.