Group Head of Technical Operations (Multisite)

Zertus UK & Ireland; Leeds; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

15% annual bonus

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Pension contributions

Life assurance

Healthcare cover

Cycle to Work

Job summary

Zertus UK & Ireland is seeking a Group Head of Technical Operations to steer food safety, quality and technical excellence across five manufacturing sites. You will lead Site Technical Managers and partner with senior stakeholders to drive standardisation, continuous improvement and customer confidence.

The role requires extensive confectionery/snacking experience, strong regulatory knowledge and a proven ability to develop high-performing teams across multiple sites.

Qualifications

• Significant senior Technical leadership experience within food manufacturing.
• Experience within confectionery, snacking or related FMCG food manufacturing sectors.
• Proven experience leading technical teams across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, quality systems, compliance and regulatory requirements.
• Extensive knowledge of BRCGS standards and UK retailer requirements (e.g. Tesco, Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, Aldi and Lidl), with a proven track record of delivering and maintaining audit compliance.
• HACCP Level 4 qualification.
• Food Safety & Hygiene Level 4 qualification.
• Degree or equivalent in Food Science, Food Technology or a related discipline.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at senior leadership level.
• Proven experience developing high-performing technical teams and future talent.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and develop Site Technical Managers and wider Technical, Quality Assurance and Hygiene teams across multiple locations.
• Drive standardisation of technical systems, processes and quality management practices across the Group.
• Lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of Quality Management Systems.
• Ensure compliance with BRCGS standards, retailer requirements, HACCP principles and food legislation.
• Strengthen food safety, quality and technical performance through robust governance and operational excellence.
• Build strong customer relationships and represent the business during customer visits, audits and technical reviews.
• Lead group-wide audit readiness, complaint management and compliance programmes.
• Oversee technical integrity systems including HACCP, TACCP, VACCP and allergen management.
• Support technical innovation, capital projects and future capability development across the Group.

Skills

Senior technical leadership

Multi-site leadership

Confectionery/snacking experience

Food safety & quality systems

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder management

Audit readiness

Allergen management

People development

Education

Degree in Food Science/Technology or related

HACCP Level 4

Food Safety & Hygiene Level 4

Job description

Zertus UK & Ireland is seeking a Group Head of Technical Operations to steer food safety, quality and technical excellence across five manufacturing sites. You will lead Site Technical Managers and partner with senior stakeholders to drive standardisation, continuous improvement and customer confidence.

The role requires extensive confectionery/snacking experience, strong regulatory knowledge and a proven ability to develop high-performing teams across multiple sites.