Head of Technical

Mash Direct; Newtownards; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food production company in Northern Ireland seeks a Head of Technical to lead technical functions and ensure food safety standards. The ideal candidate has a strong leadership background in food manufacturing, specifically with BRCGS standards. Responsibilities include overseeing compliance, managing technical teams, and aligning technical strategies with business objectives. This permanent, full-time position offers a chance to make a significant impact in a growing company.

Qualifications

• 5 years minimum experience in a senior technical leadership role in food manufacturing
• Strong understanding of BRCGS and global food safety regulations
• Demonstrated experience managing teams and audits

Responsibilities

• Define and align technical vision with business goals
• Build and lead high-performing technical teams
• Ensure compliance with food legislation and regulations

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or related discipline

HACCP (Level 4)

Tools

Food Safety Management Systems

Quality Assurance

Job description

Overview

Mash Direct is an award-winning food production company, recognised for delivering farm-fresh, convenient mash and vegetable side dishes to homes across Ireland and the UK. We are looking for a talented, experienced and proactive Head of Technical to lead our technical and quality functions. This is a key leadership role, responsible for ensuring the highest standards of food safety, compliance, and product integrity, while supporting our commitment to excellence, sustainability, and continuous improvement throughout the supply chain.

Head of Technical

As the senior technical authority within the business, you will establish the technical strategy to support business objectives, meet customer expectations, and comply with legislative requirements. You will directly manage the Compliance & Regulatory Manager, Quality Co-ordinators, and the Technical team ensuring an integrated approach to quality systems, food safety culture, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership:
• Define and align the technical vision with the organisation’s overall business goals and vision.
• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies and trends to maintain competitive advantage.
• Lead on Technical innovation and quality standards.
• Build and lead high-performing technical, compliance and quality teams.
• Contribute when required as part of the Mash Direct Senior Leadership Team, reporting on key technical metrics for the business.
• Partner with business stakeholders (product, operations, finance) to shape product and lead on compliance, quality, standards and technical strategies to align with business goals.
• Ensure delivery of projects and services on time, within budget, and to a high standard.
• Act as the technical lead for customer, supplier, and regulatory audits.
• Champion a proactive food safety and quality culture throughout the organisation.
• Drive continuous improvement across technical functions.
• Team Management:
• Lead, coach, and support the Quality Manager and Compliance & Regulatory Manager to deliver high standards of performance.
• Build succession planning and capability within the technical team.
• Ensure effective communication across departments to maintain alignment on technical priorities.
• Quality Assurance:
• Oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of HACCP, BRCGS, GMP, ISO and site hygiene standards.
• Ensure the effective monitoring and review of quality KPIs, taking action where required.
• Support the resolution of product quality issues, customer complaints, and non-conformances.
• Compliance & Regulatory Affairs:
• Ensure compliance with all food legislation, industry regulations, and customer codes of practice.
• Monitor changes in food laws, emerging risks, and regulatory updates, advising the business accordingly.
• Lead or support product recalls, risk assessments, and crisis management processes.
• Customer & Supplier Interface:
• Act as the senior technical contact for key customers.
• Support commercial and NPD teams in launching new products from a food safety and regulatory perspective.
• Conduct supplier approvals and manage supplier risk assessments in collaboration with the Compliance & Regulatory Manager.

Key Requirements

• Education & Qualifications:
• Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or related discipline.
• Advanced knowledge of UK and EC regulations, HACCP (Level 4), Food Safety Management Systems, and Quality Assurance.
• Experience:
• 5 years minimum proven experience in a senior technical leadership role within the food manufacturing sector.
• Strong understanding of BRCGS, retailer technical standards, and global food safety regulations.
• Demonstrated experience managing teams and leading through audits, regulatory visits, and customer technical reviews.
• Has proven relationships with major UK food service providers and Retailers.
• Demonstrate understanding of enforcement processes and strategies for responding effectively to compliance issues.
• Skills:
• Excellent leadership and influencing skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to communicate technical detail to non-technical stakeholders.
• Meticulous attention to detail with strong organisational skills.
• Can command a room at Director Level.
• Desirable:
• Experience working across chilled, frozen, or ambient product categories.
• Understanding of sustainability, allergens, or claims compliance in food labelling.

To Apply

Email your CV to .

Closing date: Friday 27th October @ 12 noon.

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

We are an equal opportunity employer

• Food and Beverage Manufacturing