Head of Technical – P&C (Private & Confidential) - South East England

Silven; England; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in food manufacturing is seeking a Head of Technical to drive the technical agenda across food safety, quality, and compliance. This senior leadership role offers the chance to shape the technical direction of a dynamic business in South East England. The successful candidate will lead a high-performing team, ensure compliance with food safety standards, and manage complex technical challenges. With a competitive salary and performance-related bonuses, this opportunity promises to influence strategic directions in a progressive environment while maintaining confidentiality throughout the hiring process.

Benefits

Performance-related bonus

Car allowance or company vehicle

Private healthcare

Pension

Opportunity to influence strategic direction

Qualifications

• Significant experience in senior technical or quality roles in food manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of UK food legislation and GFSI standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical and quality functions across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Develop and execute a future-fit technical strategy.

Skills

Food Safety

Quality Management

HACCP

BRCGS Standards

Regulatory Compliance

Technical Leadership

Education

Degree in Food Science

Degree in Microbiology

Job description

• Date Posted: 22/04/2025
• Expiry Date: 23/05/2025

Job Title: Head of Technical – P&C (Private & Confidential)
Location: South East England
Industry: Food Manufacturing
Salary: Circa £100,000 + bonus + benefits
Contract: Full-time | Permanent

About the Role

On behalf of one of our valued clients — a respected and established name in UK food manufacturing — we are exclusively managing the search for a Head of Technical – P&C (Private & Confidential).

This is a discreet appointment at senior leadership level, focused on driving the technical agenda across food safety, quality, and compliance. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in safeguarding product integrity, ensuring regulatory compliance, and leading technical excellence within a complex and fast-paced environment.

Reporting to the Operations Director, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape the technical direction of a dynamic and progressive food business operating in the South East.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the technical and quality function across multiple manufacturing sites, ensuring robust compliance with all food safety, legal, and customer requirements.
• Develop and execute a future-fit technical strategy in alignment with business objectives.
• Champion best-in-class standards across HACCP, BRCGS, and customer audits.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing technical team, fostering accountability and continuous improvement.
• Serve as the technical liaison for major retail customers, third-party auditors, and industry bodies.
• Oversee supplier approval, raw material risk assessments, and product integrity from concept to launch.

Candidate Profile

• Significant experience in a senior technical or quality leadership role within food manufacturing.
• Strong working knowledge of UK food legislation, GFSI standards (especially BRCGS), HACCP, and retailer requirements.
• Proven track record in managing complex technical challenges in a high-volume production environment.
• Confident, credible communicator with the ability to engage at all levels.
• Degree or equivalent in Food Science, Microbiology, or related technical discipline.

What’s on Offer

• Performance-related bonus
• Car allowance or company vehicle
• Private healthcare and pension
• Opportunity to influence strategic direction in a progressive food business
• Full discretion and confidentiality assured throughout the process

This is a Private & Confidential search. Further details will be shared with candidates who demonstrate the relevant experience and seniority.