Head of Technical

JR United Kingdom; Eye; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food business in the UK is seeking a Head of Technical to oversee food safety and compliance as the company expands. This pivotal role involves leading a technical function, improving systems for audits, and fostering team development within the context of a £7.5 million investment into site capacity. Candidates with extensive experience in food manufacturing and strong leadership skills are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in food manufacturing technical management.
• Expertise in BRC, BMPA, and retailer technical standards.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead site technical function ensuring compliance with food safety.
• Manage audits and build relationships with regulatory bodies.
• Mentor a team and oversee traceability and quality systems.

Skills

Leadership

Compliance

Food Safety

Technical Standards

Job description

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Are you a rising star, ready to take full responsibility for a complex Technical function, or an established Head of Technical with a wealth of experience and the ambition and the ability to move into a divisional role?

Either way, this could be the perfect role for you!

You will play a pivotal role within an international food business with 5 sites in the UK. Their site in the East of England is currently benefiting from £7.5m+ investment designed to significantly increase capacity.

As the site and the UK business continue to grow, this role will develop into a bigger role with divisional responsibility.

The Role

As Head of Technical, you will lead for all aspects of food safety, legality, quality, and compliance. Reporting to the Group Technical Director, you will be part of the senior management team and work cross-functionally with internal and external stakeholders to ensure technical excellence. Youll also play a key role in mentoring your team and supporting the wider division.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the site technical function, ensuring compliance with food safety, legality, quality, and customer standards.
• Maintain and develop robust systems for BRC, BMPA, retailer, and export audits (including USA and China).
• Act as the primary contact for technical queries from retailers, auditors, and regulatory bodies.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with the FSA, on-site Official Veterinarians (OVs), and external auditors.
• Lead site preparations for third-party and customer audits, ensuring readiness and continuous improvement.
• Provide guidance and development to a high-performing technical team, fostering a proactive compliance culture.
• Oversee traceability, quality systems, and non-conformance management across the site.
• Collaborate with production and supply chain teams to drive efficiency and food safety improvements.
• Contribute to technical strategies across the wider Livestock and Agriculture Division.

The Candidate

• Proven experience in food manufacturing technical management
• Expertise in BRC, BMPA, and retailer technical standards
• Slaughter operation background
• Experience working with the FSA and on-site OVs
• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Knowledge of export procedures to third countries, especially USA and China
• Livestock or agriculture experience

Next Steps

To apply for this Head of Technical opportunity, click apply or contact Gilbert Gregory at Gregory Walker quoting reference GG/2604.

About Your Recruitment Agency

Gregory Walker is a specialist food and drink manufacturing recruitment agency. We are on a mission to provide the most efficient, transparent and enjoyable recruitment service in the industry.

Here is our most recent candidate recommendation: Gregory Walker got in touch about a role on a Thursday and within 6 days everything was sorted, and Id accepted the role. Easy to work with and great communication which is everything!