Technical Lead

Drnewitt; Rochdale; On-site; GBP 76,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturer in Rochdale, UK, is looking for a dynamic Technical Lead to drive transformative change in food safety and quality. The successful candidate will oversee Technical, Quality Assurance, and Hygiene functions, ensuring compliance with regulations and best practices. This role requires proven leadership experience in food or FMCG manufacturing and a passion for continuous improvement and culture of accountability. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior Technical/Quality role within food/FMCG manufacturing.
• Demonstrable success in delivering mass transformation.
• Strong leadership skills to develop high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Technical, Quality Assurance, and Hygiene functions.
• Lead change management initiatives and teams.
• Manage internal and external audits and compliance.

Skills

Leadership skills

Knowledge of BRCGS

Knowledge of HACCP

Stakeholder management skills

Continuous improvement mindset

Ability to work under pressure

Job description

Job Description

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 include:

• 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.