Technical Lead Compliance

Premier Foods; Ashford; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme with life assurance

25 days' holiday + bank holidays

Employee discount scheme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Sharesave Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Occupational health support

Job summary

Premier Foods seeks a Technical Lead to support the Technical Team in ensuring Food Safety, Quality and Legal compliance across the site. You will manage QMS, audit readiness, CAPA, HACCP and allergen controls, working with cross-functional teams.

You will drive internal GMP/QMS audits, supplier and customer standards alignment, and maintain documentation. A background in BRCGS, SAP/MES, and strong communication is essential; the role offers a collaborative culture and ongoing training.

Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge of BRCGS and retailer standards.
• HACCP & Food Safety Level 3 (minimum).
• Internal auditing experience.
• Excellent communication, reporting, and attention to detail.
• Proactive, action-driven, and passionate about food safety and quality.
• Level 4 Food Safety/HACCP or auditing qualification.
• Experience with SAP/MES, pest control, or lab awareness.

Responsibilities

• Own and lead HACCP and allergen management, including reviews, risk assessments, and control validation
• Maintain the QMS and document control systems, ensuring updates are communicated site-wide
• Support BRCGS, retailer, and customer standards, including gap analysis and due diligence questionnaires
• Lead internal GMP and QMS audits and drive CAPA actions
• Support third-party, mock recall, and traceability audits
• Promote a strong quality culture, working closely with production, logistics, and engineering teams
• Support QA inductions, investigations, non-conformances, and quality improvement projects

Skills

BRCGS standards

HACCP Level 3

Internal audits

Communication and reporting

Food Safety auditing qualification

SAP/MES experience

Education

Level 4 Food Safety/HACCP or auditing qualification

Tools

SAP/MES

Job description

Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 09.00-17.00 with flexibility

Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum dependant on experience

As our next Technical Lead, you will play a key role in supporting the Technical Team to ensure full compliance with Food Safety, Quality, and Legal requirements. This includes maintaining the Quality Management System and meeting the standards of BRCGS, our customers, and Premier Foods Technical Standards.

You will be responsible for planning and completing internal GMP and QMS audits, and for leading the associated Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) processes. In addition, you will lead HACCP and allergen review activities, working closely with cross-functional site teams to ensure the business remains fully audit-ready at all times.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and lead HACCP and allergen management, including reviews, risk assessments, and control validation
• Maintain the QMS and document control systems, ensuring updates are communicated site-wide
• Support BRCGS, retailer, and customer standards, including gap analysis and due diligence questionnaires
• Lead internal GMP and QMS audits and drive CAPA actions
• Support third-party, mock recall, and traceability audits
• Promote a strong quality culture, working closely with production, logistics, and engineering teams
• Support QA inductions, investigations, non-conformances, and quality improvement projects

What We’re Looking For

• Strong working knowledge of BRCGS and retailer standards
• HACCP & Food Safety Level 3 (minimum)
• Internal auditing experience
• Excellent communication, reporting, and attention to detail
• Proactive, action-driven, and passionate about food safety and quality
• Level 4 Food Safety/HACCP or auditing qualification
• Experience with SAP/MES, pest control, or lab awareness

What we can offer you:

Support and training to build a successful career

Contributory company pension scheme with Life assurance

25 days' holiday per year plus bank holidays

A range of benefits including an employee discount scheme, colleague shop and onsite subsidised canteen

Cycle to Work Scheme

Sharesave Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and occupational health support

At Premier foods we believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality. We aim to ensure all existing and future colleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to work no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love or what they believe in. Our culture is one where everyone is welcome.

We're proud to be a Disability Smart employer and are committed to supporting disability inclusion throughout our recruitment process. If you experience any access issues or require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know so we can ensure you have the support you need.