Head of Technical – Food Manufacturing

Novus Recruitment Ltd; Dartford; On-site; GBP 95,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturer in Dartford is seeking a Head of Technical to lead the food safety and quality strategy. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in technical leadership within food manufacturing and a degree in Food Science or related. This senior position offers the autonomy to shape the technical function and ensure compliance with industry standards, providing clear opportunities for growth and progression.

Benefits

Ownership of technical function

Opportunities for personal growth

Qualifications

• Significant technical leadership experience within UK food manufacturing.
• A proven record of delivering technical strategy and driving improvements.
• Experience managing BRC and customer audits.

Responsibilities

• Define and deliver the site’s food safety and quality strategy.
• Lead and inspire a high-performing technical team.
• Act as the site’s technical authority for compliance.

Skills

Technical leadership experience

Strong leadership and influencing skills

Detail-driven approach

Education

Degree in Food Science or related

Job description

Head of Technical – Food Manufacturing

£95,000 – £100,000 + Package

UK (site-based)

Ready for your next challenge in Technical Leadership?

Perhaps you’re a Technical Manager ready to take that next step, or an established Head of Technical seeking a new environment where you can truly make an impact.

We’re partnering with a leading food manufacturer supplying major UK retailers to recruit a

Head of Technical

A pivotal role on the senior leadership team.

You’ll be the technical conscience of the site, setting the direction for food safety, legality, and quality from raw materials to finished product.

In this role you will:

• Define and deliver the site’s food safety and quality strategy.
• Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing technical team, embedding a culture of continuous improvement.
• Act as the site’s technical authority, managing compliance, BRC and customer audits, and all external technical relationships.
• Influence across the senior team to achieve customer, legal, and regulatory standards.
• Build strong partnerships with retailers and suppliers to drive quality, innovation, and commercial value through technical excellence.

What you’ll bring:

• Significant technical leadership experience within UK food manufacturing, ideally with retailer-facing experience.
• A degree in Food Science, Food Technology or related discipline, alongside relevant professional qualifications (HACCP, Lead Assessor etc.).
• A proven record of delivering technical strategy and driving improvements in food safety and quality systems.
• Strong leadership and influencing skills – able to motivate teams, challenge thinking, and shape direction.
• A hands-on, detail-driven approach with the ability to deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

Why this role stands out

• A senior leadership position in a respected, growing food manufacturer.
• Real ownership of the technical function with the freedom to shape its future.
• High visibility with major UK retailers and key suppliers.
• A collaborative technical network to share expertise and ideas.
• The autonomy to drive site strategy and make a lasting impact.
• Clear opportunities for personal growth and progression within a forward-thinking leadership team.

Interested? To find out more, please contact Novus Recruitment with your CV to start a confidential conversation.