Technical Development Manager

The Monty Bojangles Co; Kenley; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A premium confectionery brand in the UK is seeking a Technical Development Manager to oversee quality and compliance standards for their products. This role involves collaboration with retailers and suppliers to manage technical specifications, audits, and product launches. Ideal candidates will have at least 5 years in FMCG private label environments, strong organizational skills, and a passion for quality food. Excellent communication is essential for success in this visible role, and a food science qualification is preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience in an FMCG private label environment (retailer or supplier side).
• Strong front-facing experience with UK retailers.
• Hands-on experience drafting and managing specifications.

Responsibilities

• Act as the key technical liaison between retailers and manufacturers.
• Lead and support supplier audits and manage GAP analysis.
• Own company-level audits including BRC Agents & Brokers.

Skills

Food science qualification

BRC Authorised Auditor status

Strong organizational skills

Confident communicator

Proactive and detail-driven

Education

5+ years’ experience in FMCG private label

Job description

Technical Development Manager

About the job

1. Do you want to play a key role in shaping the quality, safety and integrity of one of the UK’s most exciting premium confectionery brands?
2. Do you thrive on collaboration - working closely with retailers, suppliers and internal teams to bring brilliant products to life?
3. Do you combine technical rigour with curiosity, commercial awareness and a genuine love of food?

If that sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

Company Overview

Monty Bojangles is an award-winning, UK-based FMCG confectionery brand, best known for our deliciously unique chocolatey truffles and magical brand world.

We combine bold flavours with eye-catching design to create indulgent treats that delight consumers and stand out on shelf. Driven by curiosity, creativity and high standards, we’re passionate about doing things properly - from product development through to quality, compliance and sustainability.

Role Overview

We’re looking for an experienced Technical Development Manager to take ownership of technical, quality and compliance across our branded and private label portfolio.

This is a highly visible, front-facing role working closely with UK retailers, manufacturing partners and internal teams to ensure every product we launch meets the highest standards of safety, legality, quality and performance.

You’ll act as the central technical point of contact across the business - guiding projects from concept to launch, supporting supplier partners, managing audits and certifications, and helping Monty Bojangles continue to grow with confidence.

What you’ll be doing

Technical & Quality Leadership

• Act as the key technical liaison between retailers, manufacturers and internal stakeholders
• Lead and support supplier audits, including working as (or towards) Lead Auditor status
• Manage GAP analysis and audit readiness for new and existing partner sites
• Attend first productions and support audit close-outs and non-conformance resolution
• Lead technical input into investigations, including root cause analysis and corrective actions

Product Development & Specifications

• Support supplier partners through the full retailer specification process for private label
• Gather and manage raw material, recipe and process data from partner sites
• Draft, review and manage specifications throughout their lifecycle
• Coordinate quality sign-off at all development stages, including post-launch reviews
• Ensure alignment with retailer systems, policies and technical requirements

Governance, Audits & Certification

• Own company-level audits and certifications including BRC Agents & Brokers, RSPO, Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance
• Coordinate audit schedules, internal resources and external technical consultants
• Maintain the Quality Management System and company quality plan
• Manage supplier approval, risk assessments and ongoing compliance
• Host monthly quality meetings and drive continuous improvement

Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain and manage retailer technical systems and portals
• Ensure product authenticity, legality and quality considerations are embedded throughout development
• Lead investigation and closure of foreign body complaints and OOS results
• Horizon scan for food legislation and retailer policy updates (FIR, EUDR, PPWR, Palm Oil, additives, micro & nut controls)
• Deliver technical training internally as required

Knowledge & Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in an FMCG private label environment (retailer or supplier side)
• Strong front-facing experience with UK retailers
• Proven track record of developing new products from concept through to launch
• Hands-on experience drafting and managing specifications
• Experience working within a BRC system (audit experience advantageous)

Qualifications & Skills

• Food science qualification (or demonstrable equivalent experience)
• BRC Authorised Auditor status desirable
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Confident communicator, comfortable influencing internal and external stakeholders

Who you are

• Passionate about food, quality and emerging trends
• Calm, structured and effective under pressure
• Proactive, curious and always looking for better ways of working
• Confident presenting ideas and guiding others through complex requirements
• Detail-driven and proud of producing clear, well-presented documentation
• Energised by change and growth in a fast-moving environment
• Committed to continuous learning and personal development

Apply Now

If you’re excited by the idea of shaping products that delight consumers while upholding the highest technical standards, we’d love to hear from you.

Company: The Monty Bojangles Co

Job Title: Technical Development Manager

Reporting to: Senior Product Manager

Location: Office-based, with regular travel to supplier sites and occasional remote working as required