Group Head of Governance

Cranswick Country Foods Plc.; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK food producer is seeking a Group Head of Governance to shape governance and technical standards. This senior leadership position involves leading central technical teams, ensuring compliance, and representing the company at industry events. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in a senior technical role within the food industry, with a strong focus on food safety and project management. Excellent development opportunities and a strong benefits package are offered.

Benefits

Excellent development and progression opportunities

Company Share Save Scheme eligibility

Enhanced pension contributions

Holiday purchase scheme

Access to a wide range of retail discounts

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years in a senior Technical role within the food industry.
• Knowledge of meat and animal welfare standards is desirable.
• Strong understanding of UK retailer requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead the central technical teams including Supply Chain and Audit.
• Drive food safety and compliance standards across the Group.
• Represent Cranswick at industry forums and meetings.

Skills

Senior Technical Leadership

Food Safety Compliance

Project Management

Interpersonal Communication

Education

High-level qualifications in food safety or microbiology

Job description

About the role

Are you ready to play a pivotal role in shaping governance and technical standards across one of the UK's leading food businesses? We're offering an exciting opportunity for a Group Head of Governance to join Cranswick Plc. In this senior leadership role, you will lead our central technical teams - including Group Supply Chain, Group Audit and Group Systems - driving consistency, compliance, and best practice across the Group. Reporting directly to the Group Technical Director, you'll ensure effective governance processes are in place to manage legislative, customer, and industry compliance across our operations and supply base. You'll also provide support with animal welfare and microbiological expertise, while representing Cranswick at senior forums and industry events.

About Cranswick Plc

Cranswick Plc is one of the UK's largest food producers, supplying a wide range of high-quality products to major retailers, foodservice businesses, and international markets. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and technical excellence, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of food safety, quality, and customer satisfaction.

What you'll do

• Lead the central technical Supply Chain, Group Systems, and Audit teams, providing strong leadership and developing effective talent pipelines.
• Drive and continuously improve exceptional food safety, integrity, quality, and compliance standards across the Group.
• Support implementation and interpretation of new legislation and customer requirements, ensuring Group standards, systems, and audit programmes reflect best practice.
• Work closely with the Group Technical Director and Technical Controllers to deliver the Group's technical strategy.
• Ensure all technical requirements meet Cranswick policies and external expectations (retailers, customers, certification bodies, and legislative bodies).
• Represent Cranswick as a senior technical leader at industry forums, retailer meetings, and internal leadership sessions.

What you'll bring

• Proven experience in a senior Technical role within the food industry (minimum of 5 years in leadership).
• Experience across multiple business units and complex supply chains; knowledge of meat and animal welfare standards is desirable.
• Strong understanding of UK retailer requirements and implementation of legislative standards.
• High-level qualifications and/or experience in food safety, compliance, and risk management (meat science or microbiology desirable).
• Strategic mindset with a track record in project and change management.
• Excellent leadership skills with a passion for team development and performance management.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Organised, proactive, and commercially aware approach.

What we offer

• Opportunity to lead and influence technical governance across a market-leading Group.
• Excellent development and progression opportunities.
• Company Share Save Scheme eligibility.
• Enhanced pension contributions.
• Holiday purchase scheme.
• Access to a wide range of retail discounts.

To Apply

send a CV and Cover Letter to [email protected]

Closing Date: 26/09/2025

Internal applicants must make their line manager aware of their application

Please note, closing date may be brought forward if a suitable candidate is found