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DRNewitt; Essex; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

DRNewitt is seeking an experienced Technical & Quality Manager for a hands-on role in food manufacturing. You will own the technical and quality function, lead audits, maintain HACCP and quality systems, and support operations to ensure safe, compliant products for UK and international markets.

You will work closely with Production, NPD and other departments, manage supplier approvals and internal/external audits, and develop the Quality team while upholding the highest standards of food safety

Qualifications

• Solid technical or quality background in food manufacturing.
• Experience leading external audits and corrective actions.
• Knowledge of HACCP, BRCGS standards and food safety legislation.
• Ability to implement improvements and ensure compliance.
• Strong communication with customers, suppliers and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Lead external audits and ensure audit requirements are met.
• Maintain site HACCP system and quality management systems.
• Ensure compliance with BRCGS, Kosher and Halal requirements.
• Serve as main contact for customer technical and quality queries.
• Run internal audits, traceability exercises and technical reviews.
• Oversee supplier approval, performance and material risk assessments.
• Support day-to-day QC activities and cover absences on the factory floor.
• Approve and release raw materials, packaging and finished products.
• Check product specifications, labels and production docs for accuracy.
• Investigate non-conformances, supplier issues, and customer complaints.
• Ensure sampling, testing and QC procedures are followed.
• Train and support colleagues on food safety and quality procedures.
• Lead, develop and support the Quality team.
• Maintain COSHH documentation and risk assessments.
• Promote a positive food safety culture and drive improvement.

Skills

Food safety knowledge

Quality management

Audit leadership

Problem solving

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Team development

Education

HACCP Level 3

Food Hygiene Level 3

Job description

Are you an experienced Technical or Quality Manager looking for a hands-on role where you can take ownership of food safety, quality and compliance?

We’re working with an established food manufacturing business specialising in seasonings and spices, supplying customers across the UK and international markets. They’re looking for a Technical & Quality Manager to oversee their technical and quality systems, support the wider operation and help maintain the standards their customers expect.

Reporting to the Operations Manager, you’ll work closely with Production, NPD and other departments to ensure products are safe, compliant and consistently meet the required standards.

The role

This is a varied, hands-on position combining technical management, quality assurance, audit leadership and team development. You’ll be responsible for maintaining robust systems while also being involved in day-to-day quality activities on the factory floor.

Your responsibilities will include:

Leading and managing external audits, ensuring standards are maintained and audit requirements are met.

Managing and maintaining the site HACCP system.

Ensuring compliance with relevant BRCGS, Kosher and Halal requirements.

Acting as a key point of contact for customer technical and quality queries.

Managing internal audits, traceability exercises and technical review meetings.

Overseeing supplier approval, supplier performance and raw material risk assessments.

Supporting day-to-day QC activities, including factory floor checks and covering QC absences when required.

Managing the approval and release of raw materials, packaging and finished products.

Maintaining product specifications and checking labels and production documentation for accuracy.

Investigating non-conformances, supplier issues and customer complaints, ensuring appropriate corrective actions are implemented.

Ensuring sampling, testing and quality control procedures are followed effectively.

Training and supporting colleagues on food safety, quality procedures and work instructions.

Leading, developing and supporting the Quality team.

Keeping COSHH documentation and relevant risk assessments up to date.

Promoting a positive food safety culture and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.

About you

We’re looking for someone with a solid technical or quality background in food manufacturing who is comfortable taking responsibility while remaining practical and approachable.

You’ll ideally have:

Previous experience in a Technical or Quality Management role within food manufacturing.

HACCP Level 3 or above.

Food Hygiene Level 3 or above.

Good knowledge of BRCGS standards and food safety legislation.

Experience leading external audits and managing corrective actions.

Strong problem-solving skills and the confidence to make sound technical decisions.

The ability to communicate effectively with customers, suppliers and colleagues at all levels.

Good organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands in a busy manufacturing environment.

A collaborative approach to developing people and maintaining high standards across the site.

Why consider this opportunity?

This is an opportunity to take ownership of the technical and quality function within an established food manufacturing business, with a varied role that combines strategic responsibility with hands-on involvement in day-to-day operations.

If you enjoy maintaining high standards, supporting a team and making a practical difference to food safety and product quality, we’d be interested in hearing from you.