Head of Technical

Young's Seafood; Haverhill; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company is seeking a passionate Head of Technical to oversee technical, hygiene, and quality functions at their Haverhill site. This key leadership role involves ensuring compliance with food safety standards and promoting a positive food safety culture. Ideal candidates will have substantial experience in the meat sector, a strong knowledge of safety regulations, and proven leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior technical roles within meat manufacturing, ideally in RTE or high-care environments.
• Strong knowledge of food safety legislation, retailer standards and BRC requirements.
• Experience leading technical teams in a fast-paced FMCG environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all on-site technical functions, including QA, Hygiene, and Food Safety.
• Set and deliver the site's technical strategy, ensuring full compliance with legislation and customer standards.
• Act as the senior technical voice on site, working cross-functionally to achieve shared goals.

Skills

Food Safety

Hygiene Management

Technical Leadership

Compliance

Continuous Improvement

Education

Level 4 qualifications in HACCP and Food Safety

Job description

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The Role

We're looking for a driven and experienced Head of Technical / Technical Manager to lead our technical, hygiene and quality functions for our Haverhill site. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you'll ensure compliance with food safety standards, drive continuous improvement, and help shape a positive food safety culture across the site

The Ideal Candidate

You'll be a passionate and knowledgeable technical leader who brings:

• Proven experience in senior technical roles within meat manufacturing, ideally in RTE or high-care environments.
• Strong knowledge of food safety legislation, retailer standards and BRC requirements.
• Level 4 qualifications in HACCP and Food Safety (or equivalent).
• Experience leading technical teams in a fast-paced FMCG environment.
• A detail-focused, improvement-driven mindset with strong commercial awareness.
• A collaborative approach, with the confidence to lead from the front and influence change.
• A strong alignment with Sofina's values: accountable, driven, passionate and committed to excellence.

Why Sofina Foods?

At Sofina Foods, you'll step into a high-impact role where your voice matters. You'll work closely with a collaborative, forward-thinking leadership team and play a key role in shaping the future of the site. With a strong reputation in the market, a commitment to continuous improvement and a focus on people and quality, Sofina offers a career, not just a job. Join a business that's big enough to offer opportunity and support, but agile enough for your contribution to truly count

Equal Opportunities

Sofina Foods is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We're committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences - regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Your Key Responsibilities

Taking the lead for all food safety, legality, and quality priorities, you will:

• Lead and manage all on-site technical functions, including QA, Hygiene and Food Safety.
• Build and embed a strong food safety and quality culture across the site.
• Set and deliver the site's technical strategy, ensuring full compliance with legislation and customer standards.
• Act as the senior technical voice on site, working cross-functionally to achieve shared goals.
• Own and manage technical budgets, driving performance through KPIs.
• Ensure the site is always audit-ready and aligned to customer and BRC expectations.
• Stay ahead of changes in regulations and industry standards to proactively manage risks.