Head of Technical

In The News; North East; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

In The News is seeking an experienced Head of Technical to lead the technical function at a busy fresh food production site in the Teesside area. You will drive food safety, quality and compliance across operations, working with senior stakeholders to embed a strong culture of continuous improvement.

You will lead a technical team, manage audits, maintain QMS in line with BRCGS and retailer standards, and shape the site’s strategic direction on safety, legality and product quality for future

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading Technical/Quality in food manufacturing.
• Proven track record in audits and compliance.
• Strong knowledge of BRCGS and food legislation.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction for food safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain and improve the site's QMS to meet BRCGS and retailer standards.
• Lead and develop the Technical team through coaching and succession planning.
• Manage audits from customers, regulators and certification bodies.
• Collaborate with Operations, NPD, Engineering, Procurement and Supply Chain.
• Respond to food safety incidents, recalls and risk management.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety leadership

HACCP

BRCGS knowledge

Stakeholder management

Job description

Location: Teesside

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of Technical to join a well-established and growing food manufacturer, leading the technical function across a busy fresh food production site.This is a strategic leadership role responsible for ensuring the consistent production of safe, legal, authentic and high-quality food products while driving continuous improvement across food safety, quality and compliance. You'll work closely with senior stakeholders across Operations, NPD, Commercial and Supply Chain to embed a strong food safety culture, maintain industry-leading standards and support the ongoing growth of the business.If you're a passionate Technical leader who enjoys influencing at all levels, developing high-performing teams and delivering excellence in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, we'd love to hear from you.

About You

• An experienced Head of Technical, Technical Manager or Senior Technical professional with a strong background in food manufacturing, ideally within chilled, fresh food or food-to-go production.
• Proven experience leading Technical or Quality functions, managing high-performing teams and driving food safety, quality and compliance across manufacturing operations.
• Excellent knowledge of BRCGS Food Safety Standards, HACCP, food legislation, retailer standards and customer requirements.
• Strong experience leading customer, third-party and regulatory audits, with the ability to manage technical risk and implement robust Quality Management Systems.
• A confident communicator with excellent stakeholder management skills, capable of influencing at all levels and building strong relationships with customers, suppliers and regulatory bodies.
• Commercially aware, solutions-focused and passionate about developing people while embedding a positive food safety and quality culture.

What will you be doing?

• Leading the Technical function, setting the strategic direction for food safety, quality, legality, authenticity and continuous improvement across the business.
• Maintaining and continually improving the site's Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring compliance with BRCGS, retailer standards, food legislation and customer requirements.
• Leading and developing the Technical team through coaching, mentoring, succession planning and continuous professional development.
• Acting as the senior technical contact for customers, certification bodies, regulatory authorities and external auditors while managing all technical relationships.
• Leading customer, retailer, third-party and regulatory audits, ensuring corrective actions are implemented effectively and continuous improvement opportunities are identified.
• Monitoring technical KPIs, customer complaints, audit outcomes, microbiological performance and quality metrics to drive operational improvements.
• Working collaboratively with Operations, NPD, Engineering, Procurement, Commercial and Supply Chain teams to support new product development, process improvements and business growth.
• Providing leadership during food safety incidents, product withdrawals and recalls, ensuring risks are managed effectively while protecting both consumers and the business.

What can they offer you?

• The opportunity to join a successful and growing food manufacturing business in a senior leadership position.
• A highly influential role where you will shape the company's technical strategy and drive a strong food safety and quality culture.
• The chance to work closely with major retail customers, certification bodies and senior leadership while supporting future business growth.
• A collaborative environment that genuinely values continuous improvement, innovation and people development.
• Excellent opportunities for career progression within a forward-thinking and ambitious business.

We are seeking applications from talented Head of Technical, Senior Technical Managers, Technical Managers, Group Technical Managers, Head of Quality, Quality Managers, Food Safety Managers, Technical Services Managers and Senior QA Managers who live within Stockton-on-Tees, Darlington, Redcar, Hartlepool, Northallerton, Thirsk, York, Durham, Sunderland, Newcastle upon Tyne and surrounding areas of the North East.

We are only able to consider candidates who have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application.