Technical & Food Safety Lead for Scaling Operations

More Years; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medicash Level 4 Cashback plan

Spill EAP and Mental Health Support

Annual Learning & Development budget

Annual Wellbeing budget

Volunteer day per year

Job summary

Years is a fast-growing UK-based pet food business seeking a Head of Technical to own the technical and food safety foundations. You will build systems, certifications and culture to support scale nationally and internationally, reporting to the CEO.

You’ll drive progress toward full BRC accreditation, lead audits for retail partners, and collaborate with Production, Operations and NPD to integrate technical strategy on the floor and in leadership meetings.

Qualifications

• Experience in food manufacturing with focus on safety and compliance.
• Proven track record leading technical or quality teams through audits.
• Experience managing retailer audits and supplier certifications.
• Strong knowledge of SEDEX, HACCP and food safety regulations.
• Formal HACCP qualifications and BRCGS exposure preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own and lead the technical and food safety strategy across the business
• Lead the site through SALSA and pursue BRCGS certification within 18 months
• Build and embed food safety management systems and HACCP
• Ensure compliance with PFMA, FEDIAF, and Animal By-Products Regulations
• Prepare business for SEDEX membership and ethical assurance
• Verify nutritional adequacy against FEDIAF guidelines
• Lead and develop the technical and quality team on site
• Act as primary technical contact for customers, retailers, and auditors
• Oversee supplier approvals, specifications, allergen management, traceability
• Own crisis management and product recall readiness
• Keep ahead of regulatory changes as we grow

Skills

Food manufacturing

Senior technical/quality leadership

Retailer audits

SEDEX

HACCP

Food safety legislation

Education

HACCP Level 3/4

BRCGS Lead Auditor qualification

Job description

Years is a fast-growing UK-based pet food business seeking a Head of Technical to own the technical and food safety foundations. You will build systems, certifications and culture to support scale nationally and internationally, reporting to the CEO.

You’ll drive progress toward full BRC accreditation, lead audits for retail partners, and collaborate with Production, Operations and NPD to integrate technical strategy on the floor and in leadership meetings.