Technical Lead

D R Newitt & Associates; Manchester; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturer in Greater Manchester is seeking a dynamic Technical Lead to oversee the Technical, Quality Assurance, and Hygiene functions. The successful candidate will have proven experience in a senior technical role within food manufacturing, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to drive transformation and compliance with food safety standards. This position offers a substantial salary plus benefits, and the opportunity to make a significant impact on a high-profile site.

Benefits

Car allowance

Comprehensive benefits package

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior Technical / Quality role within food / FMCG manufacturing.
• Demonstrable success in leading teams through significant organisational change.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Technical, Quality Assurance, and Hygiene functions.
• Lead the Food Safety Management System and Quality Management Systems.
• Drive transformation across processes, culture, and technical standards.
• Manage internal and external audits and maintain relationships with regulatory bodies.
• Report technical and quality KPIs to senior leadership.

Skills

Leadership skills

BRCGS knowledge

HACCP knowledge

Team management

Stakeholder management

Continuous improvement

Job description

Overview

Technical Lead

UK / EU Leading Food Manufacturer

Greater Manchester

£90,000 + Car Allowance + Benefits

Are you a dynamic Technical Leader ready to drive meaningful change in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment? This is an outstanding opportunity to join a UK / EU leading food manufacturer, where you will shape the future of the technical function while delivering world-class standards in food safety, quality, and compliance.

We are seeking an influential, forward-thinking leader with the experience and confidence to deliver mass transformation, implement change management programmes, and develop a technical team through capability assessment, coaching, and genuine empowerment.

This is your chance to take ownership of a critical function in a high-profile manufacturing site, with the autonomy to make a real impact and the full support of a progressive senior leadership team.

The Role

As Technical Lead, you will oversee the Technical, Quality Assurance, and Hygiene functions, ensuring full compliance with food safety legislation, retailer standards, BRCGS, and HACCP. You will guide the team through transformational change, building capability and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

Key responsibilities:

• Leading and continually strengthening the Food Safety Management System, HACCP, and Quality Management Systems.
• Driving large-scale transformation across processes, culture, and technical standards.
• Leading change management initiatives, ensuring teams are aligned, engaged, and equipped for success.
• Assessing team capability and empowering individuals through coaching, development, and clear ownership.
• Managing internal and external audits, and maintaining strong relationships with regulatory bodies and retail customers.
• Overseeing site validations, risk assessments, traceability, pest control, hygiene operations, and all due diligence activities.
• Managing customer complaints, non-conformances, and audit findings, ensuring robust and sustainable corrective actions.
• Embedding a strong, positive food safety and quality culture across all site operations.
• Reporting technical and quality KPIs to senior leadership with insights and clear improvement plans.

Your Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a senior Technical / Quality role within food / FMCG manufacturing.
• Demonstrable success in delivering mass transformation and leading teams through significant organisational change.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, empower, and develop high-performing teams.
• In-depth knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP, and retailer standards.
• Experience managing large Technical, QA, and Hygiene teams.
• A proactive, solution-focused mindset with the ability to work under pressure and adapt quickly.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trust internally and externally.
• Passion for continuous improvement and embedding an exceptional food safety culture