Senior Technical Manager

ZipRecruiter; Newtownards; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company in Newtownards is seeking a Senior Technical Manager to lead food safety and compliance. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to shape the technical function and drive continuous improvements while developing a strong technical team. The ideal candidate will have senior QA experience and a passion for food safety. A full-time, permanent position with a negotiable salary.

Qualifications

• Senior technical or QA leadership experience in food manufacturing required.
• Strong knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP, VACCP/TACCP standards essential.
• Experience managing third-party audits required.

Responsibilities

• Lead Technical, Hygiene, QA, and Compliance teams at the site.
• Maintain and develop Quality and Food Safety Management Systems.
• Ensure compliance with legal and customer standards.
• Drive continuous improvement across quality and hygiene.

Skills

Leadership in technical and QA

Knowledge of BRCGS and HACCP

Change management

Coaching and developing teams

Relationship building

Job description

The Opportunity

Senior Technical Manager– Food Manufacturing

Location: Newtownards, Northern Ireland

Salary: Negotiable

Type: Full-time, Permanent

The Opportunity

We’re working with a well-established, fast-growing ambient food manufacturing business in the Lisburn area as they continue through a period of investment and transformation. They are now seeking a Senior Technical Manager to lead food safety, compliance, and technical standards across the site.

This is a key leadership role with scope to shape the future of the technical function while contributing to site-wide improvements. It would suit an experienced Technical Manager ready to step up, seeking greater ownership and influence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Technical, Hygiene, QA and Compliance teams on site, building a high-performing and proactive culture
• Maintain and develop the site’s Quality and Food Safety Management Systems in line with BRCGS and customer expectations
• Ensure compliance with all legal, customer, and internal standards
• Lead and prepare for all external audits (including major UK retailers & Food Service)
• Drive continuous improvement across quality, systems and hygiene
• Support and develop the team through effective coaching and leadership
• Champion a culture of food safety and quality across the wider site
• Play an active role in site leadership and strategic planning

Key Experience

• Senior technical or QA leadership experience in food manufacturing
• Strong knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP, VACCP/TACCP, and UK retailer standards
• Experience leading teams and managing 3rd-party audits
• Skilled in building relationships across all levels of the business
• Proven ability to lead change and support site transformation
• Passionate about developing people and driving continuous improvement

Why Apply?

• A pivotal leadership role with real influence and autonomy.
• Well-established, Ambient food manufacturer.
• Direct access to senior leadership and opportunity to help shape strategy.
• A chance to lead and develop a strong technical team.