Interim Head of Technical - Chilled Food

Drayton; England; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established food business in England is seeking an experienced Interim Head of Technical. You will lead the technical and quality function, ensuring compliance and driving improvements in product quality during a transitional period. The role requires a proven technical leader with short shelf-life food experience, capable of delivering tangible change and gaining team trust.

Qualifications

• Proven technical leader with experience in fast-moving, high-care environments.
• Experience driving quality improvements and stabilising technical teams.
• Ability to gain trust quickly and provide clarity.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical and quality team as an interim.
• Ensure compliance with customer and audit standards.
• Conduct a comprehensive review of technical systems.

Skills

Leadership in technical environments

Quality improvement

Short shelf-life food experience

Job description

Interim Head of Technical – Chilled Food Manufacturing

A well‑established, high‑growth food business is seeking an experienced Interim Head of Technical to lead its technical and quality function through a period of transition and improvement.

Reporting to the Operations Director, the role will involve stabilising the existing technical team, maintaining customer compliance, and conducting a comprehensive review of current systems and processes. The assignment includes delivering a short‑term stabilisation plan and developing a clear roadmap for improving product quality and consistency.

We’re looking for a proven technical leader with short shelf‑life food experience and a track record of driving quality improvement in fast‑moving, high‑care environments. You’ll bring rigour and empathy, able to quickly gain trust, provide clarity and deliver tangible change.

Key Priorities

• Interim leadership of the technical and quality team
• Ensuring compliance with all customer and audit standards
• Completing a detailed health check of technical systems and supplier management
• Identifying root causes of product performance issues and implementing corrective actions
• Developing a roadmap for technical and quality excellence

Seniority Level

Director

Employment Type

Contract

Job Function

Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Quality Assurance

Industries

Food and Beverage Manufacturing and Food and Beverage Services