Technical Director

ZipRecruiter; London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading branded food business in Central London is looking for a Technical Director to oversee product safety, quality assurance, and compliance within their supply chain. The role involves leading technical strategy and cross-functional collaboration to maintain high product standards. Ideal candidates will have a degree in a relevant field and substantial experience in a senior technical role. This position offers a hybrid working environment, competitive salary, and benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary with performance bonus

25 days annual leave + public holidays

Private healthcare and wellness benefits

Qualifications

• Experience in senior technical leadership role within food manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of UK/EU food legislation and QMS principles.
• Effective stakeholder management and people leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the technical strategy aligned to growth.
• Lead food safety, quality assurance, and compliance functions.
• Manage technical relationships with co-manufacturers and suppliers.

Skills

Leadership

Food Safety

Quality Assurance

Regulatory Compliance

Stakeholder Management

Education

Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology

Job description

Job Description

We are a fast-growing branded food business based in Central London, known for our innovation, quality, and commitment to sustainability. With a strong presence in retail and foodservice channels, our mission is to deliver delicious, responsibly made products that consumers trust and love. As we continue our growth journey, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced Technical Director to lead our technical and quality agenda across the business.

Role Overview

The Technical Director will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of product safety, quality, regulatory compliance, and technical integrity across our supply chain. This is a senior leadership position that plays a critical role in maintaining brand trust and enabling innovation. You will work cross-functionally with NPD, Operations, Procurement, and Commercial teams, as well as with external manufacturing partners, to ensure the highest standards are met from concept to consumer.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the technical strategy aligned to the company’s growth and innovation plans.
• Lead food safety, quality assurance, and compliance functions across the business.
• Own the Quality Management System (QMS) and ensure it meets all regulatory and retailer audit requirements.
• Manage technical relationships with co-manufacturers, suppliers, and third-party laboratories.
• Oversee supplier approval, specifications, raw material risk assessments, and HACCP validation.
• Lead the technical due diligence for new product launches, including packaging, shelf-life trials, and labelling compliance (UK and export if relevant).
• Ensure compliance with relevant UK, EU, and global food regulations, including allergen management and claims substantiation.
• Champion continuous improvement and drive a culture of quality across the organisation.
• Act as the main point of contact for food safety incidents, recalls, or crisis management.
• Provide technical leadership to the NPD process from concept to launch.
• Build, lead and develop the technical team, ensuring skills and resources align with business needs.
• Keep abreast of regulatory changes, emerging risks, and technological advances in food safety.

Requirements:

• Proven experience in a senior technical leadership role within the food manufacturing or branded FMCG sector.
• Strong knowledge of UK/EU food legislation, BRCGS, HACCP, and QMS principles.
• Experience managing third-party manufacturing partners and co-packers.
• Excellent understanding of food safety, quality systems, and risk management.
• Effective stakeholder management with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Strong people leadership skills with a track record of developing high-performing teams.
• Degree qualified in Food Science, Food Technology, Microbiology, or related discipline.

Desirable:

• Experience in branded, premium, or high-growth food businesses.
• Familiarity with sustainability, ESG, and ethical sourcing standards (e.g. RSPO, Sedex, etc.).
• Experience with international compliance (e.g. FDA, Codex, export documentation).

What We Offer

• A strategic leadership role in a purpose-driven, growing business.
• Hybrid working environment (3+ days in our Central London office).
• Competitive salary with performance bonus and share options (dependent on level).
• 25 days annual leave + public holidays.
• Private healthcare and wellness benefits.
• Opportunity to shape the future of a leading brand in the food industry.