Head of Technical

Gregory Walker Associates Ltd; London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist food recruitment agency seeks a Head of Technical in London. The role involves leading food safety and quality excellence, driving improvement initiatives, and developing high-performing teams. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in food manufacturing and the confidence to engage with stakeholders at all levels. This position offers a competitive salary in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Deep experience in food manufacturing, ideally with chilled or high-care/high-risk products.
• A strong understanding of UK retailer standards.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing Technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead on food safety, quality, and compliance across the site.
• Act as the go-to expert on technical standards and legislation.
• Drive continuous improvement through data and best practice.

Skills

Experience in food manufacturing

Understanding of UK retailer standards

Building food safety & quality culture

Leading Technical teams

Data analysis for decision making

Problem-solving skills

Job description

Head of Technical

£Six Figures + Package

London

Job reference: GG/2988

Overview

Would you like to play a key role in shaping the future of a high growth food business?

This is a business like very few others. A tough challenge but an enormous opportunity. As Head of Technical you will shape and lead an ambitious Technical strategy, driving a culture of food safety and quality excellence.

Done properly, this will be a transformational role, far from the finished article, this business has the genuine desire to be best in class Technically.

The Role

As Head of Technical, you will:

• Leading on food safety, quality, and compliance across the site.
• Acting as the go-to expert on technical standards, legislation, and customer expectations.
• Driving continuous improvement through data, insight, and best practice.
• Playing a hands-on role in audits, investigations, and technical projects.
• Developing and evolving site quality systems to meet both BRC and customer standards.
• Supporting and influencing cross-functional teams including NPD, Procurement, and Ops.
• Building trusted relationships with senior retail and foodservice customers.
• Coaching and developing the Technical team to be proactive, agile, and high-performing
• Embedding a strong food safety culture across the site.
• Staying connected to the wider industry through forums, networks, and innovation updates.
• Leading HACCP and other key food safety and integrity programmes.
• Taking a proactive role in problem-solving, risk reduction, and crisis response.
• Supporting trials, launches, and site-wide technical initiatives.

The Candidate

The successful candidate will have:

• Deep experience in food manufacturing, ideally with chilled or high-care/high-risk products.
• A strong understanding of UK retailer standards.
• A track record of building and embedding a robust food safety & quality culture.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing Technical teams.
• The confidence to advise, influence, and engage at all levels — from factory floor to boardroom.
• A commercial mindset with the ability to use data to inform decisions.
• The curiosity to listen, learn, and challenge the status quo for the better.
• A calm, solutions-focused approach when things don’t go to plan.

Next Steps

To apply for this Head of Technical role, click apply or contact Gilbert Gregory at Gregory Walkerquoting reference GG/2988.

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 I’d accepted the role. Easy to work with and great communication which is everything!”