Senior Technical Leader – Food Manufacturing

Novus Recruitment Limited; England; On-site; CAD 160,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Novus Recruitment Limited has partnered with a leading UK food manufacturer in Kent to appoint a Senior Technical Manager. You will own the site's technical agenda, drive food safety, quality, compliance and continuous improvement, and lead a high‑performing technical team.

You'll report to the Site Director, shape the technical vision, manage customer audits and retailer relationships, and collaborate across the business to deliver robust technical leadership in a fast‑paced manufacturing

Qualifications

• Significant Technical Management experience within UK food manufacturing.
• Proven success supplying major UK retailers and acting as the primary technical contact for customers.
• Strong experience of food safety management systems, audits, and compliance.
• A degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline, supported by relevant professional qualifications such as HACCP, Lead Assessor, or equivalent.
• A track record of developing technical teams and building high-performance cultures.
• Experience delivering technical strategy and improving food safety, quality, and manufacturing processes.
• Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to gain buy-in at all levels.
• A hands-on, detail-focused approach combined with strategic leadership capability.
• The ability to translate technical requirements into practical business solutions within fast-paced manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Define and deliver the site's food safety and quality strategy.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing Technical and Quality team.
• Act as the site's technical authority on all food safety, quality, legal, and regulatory matters.
• Manage customer audits, retailer relationships, and external technical contacts.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across technical, operational, and supply chain functions.
• Build strong partnerships with major UK retailers, suppliers, and key stakeholders.
• Lead customer-facing technical communications with integrity, confidence, and credibility.
• Develop a learning culture that promotes technical excellence throughout the organisation.
• Influence and challenge senior stakeholders to ensure the highest standards of compliance, customer service, and product quality.
• Support innovation and growth initiatives through robust technical leadership.

Skills

Technical leadership

UK food manufacturing

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Food Science / Food Technology degree

HACCP / Lead Assessor qualifications

Job description

Novus Recruitment Limited has partnered with a leading UK food manufacturer in Kent to appoint a Senior Technical Manager. You will own the site's technical agenda, drive food safety, quality, compliance and continuous improvement, and lead a high‑performing technical team.

You'll report to the Site Director, shape the technical vision, manage customer audits and retailer relationships, and collaborate across the business to deliver robust technical leadership in a fast‑paced manufacturing