Head of Technical

NOVUS Recruitment; England; On-site; GBP 95,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK food manufacturer is seeking a Head of Technical to join their senior leadership team. This role involves shaping food safety and quality strategies, managing a technical team, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in senior technical management in food manufacturing and a relevant degree. This position offers excellent potential for future career development and autonomy in shaping the technical function.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in senior technical management within food manufacturing.
• Proven track record in leading technical strategy and managing audits.
• Ability to inspire teams and influence at senior levels.

Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver the site's food safety and quality strategy.
• Lead and develop the technical team with a focus on best practices.
• Be responsible for compliance, audits, and external technical relationships.

Skills

Leadership skills

Food safety compliance

Technical strategy

Relationship building

Detail-oriented mindset

Education

Degree in Food Technology or Food Science

Relevant professional qualifications (HACCP, Lead Assessor)

Job description

Head of Technical

Food Industry

95k- 100k plus package

Currently a senior Technical Manager with experience to move to the next level? Already in a leadership role but needing a change or new challenge? We are seeking a Head of Technical to join the senior leadership team of a food manufacturer supplying into major retail

This is a high-profile role where you'll be the technical conscience of the business, leading the technical strategy and ensuring the highest standards of food safety, legality and quality from raw materials through to the end consumer.

Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver the site's food safety and quality strategy.
• Lead, motivate and develop the technical team, embedding a culture of best practice and continuous improvement.
• Be the technical authority with responsibility for compliance, audits (including BRC), and all external technical relationships.
• Influence the senior management team and work collaboratively across the site to achieve customer, legal and regulatory standards.
• Build and maintain strong retailer and supplier relationships, driving quality, innovation, and commercial advantage through technical excellence.

Background

• Extensive experience in a senior technical management role within food manufacturing, with experience supplying into UK retailers.
• A degree in Food Technology, Food Science, or similar, alongside relevant professional qualifications (HACCP, Lead Assessor etc).
• A proven track record in leading technical strategy, managing audits, and driving change and improvements in food safety and quality.
• Strong leadership skills - able to inspire teams, challenge constructively, and influence at senior levels.
• A practical, detail-focused mindset with the ability to deliver results under pressure.
• Be present and visible on site to be fully part of this fast-paced food manufacturing facility.

Why does this role stand out?

• Be part of the senior leadership team of a respected and growing food manufacturer.
• Have genuine ownership of the technical function and freedom to shape its future direction.
• Work closely with major food UK retailers and play a pivotal role in the business.
• An abundance of knowledge and expertise in the wider technical team for advice, support and knowledge to collaborate with.
• Lead an experienced technical team in a dynamic and challenging environment
• Have the autonomy on site to drive the strategy and make your mark in the Technical function.
• Excellent potential for future development with proven examples in the Executive team.

Interested?

For further information on this role, please contact Novus with a full cv to start the conversation