Senior Technical Manager

Zest Recruitment; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK food manufacturer is seeking a Senior Technical Manager to lead their technical strategy and food safety efforts. This pivotal role requires a driven technical professional to oversee compliance, quality, and product integrity across multiple sites, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards. Ideal applicants will have extensive experience in food safety and quality management, strong leadership skills, and relevant educational qualifications.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in senior Technical, Quality, or Food Safety management roles
• Strong knowledge of UK/EU regulations and food safety standards

Responsibilities

• Lead technical function across manufacturing sites and divisions
• Set strategy for food safety, quality, compliance, and sustainability
• Maintain and improve QMS, HACCP systems, and audit readiness

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Food Safety

Quality Management System (QMS)

HACCP

Compliance

Education

Degree in Food Science or related discipline

HACCP Level 4 or equivalent

Job description

A leading UK food manufacturer is seeking a Senior Technical Manager to lead the technical strategy and food safety.

This is a pivotal, high-impact role offering significant influence across the organisation.

About the Role:
This senior leadership position carries responsibility for compliance, food safety, quality, and product integrity, ensuring operations meet regulatory, customer, and company standards.

You will shape the technical agenda, lead a skilled team, and act as the primary technical contact for customers and retail partners.

The role is ideal for a technical professional passionate about improving systems, developing people, and embedding a proactive quality culture in a growing and collaborative business.

Key Responsibilities:
Lead the technical function across multiple manufacturing sites and trading divisions
Set and deliver strategy covering food safety, quality, compliance, and sustainability
Maintain and improve QMS, HACCP systems, GFSI standards, and audit readiness
Act as the senior technical lead for internal and external stakeholders
Champion continuous improvement and food safety culture
Provide technical support across operations, supply chain, and commercial teams
Lead internal and external audits, managing technical KPIs
Promote collaborative team development and culture-led leadership


About You:
You are a driven, values-led technical professional with experience leading site or multi-site food safety and quality operations.

You thrive working autonomously and enjoy influencing the broader business.

Essential:
5+ years in senior Technical, Quality, or Food Safety management roles
Strong knowledge of UK/EU regulations, HACCP (Level 4+), QMS, BRC/GFSI
Hands-on experience leading teams, audits, and technical systems
Confidence working with customer standards, including major UK retailers
Excellent communication and leadership skills
Understanding of supply chain processes

Qualifications:
Degree in Food Science or related discipline
HACCP Level 4 or equivalent
Knowledge of TACCP, VACCP, allergens, sustainability, and risk management

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