Technical Manager

Vickerstock; Ballymena; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career development opportunities

Training and professional development

Staff discounts

Supportive team environment

Opportunity to make a real impact

Job summary

Vickerstock are partnering with a growing bakery manufacturer in Ballymena to appoint an experienced Technical Manager responsible for leading the technical and quality functions.

You will own food safety, quality, legality and compliance, collaborating with Production, Operations and Senior Management to drive continuous improvement and best practice.

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology or related discipline.
• Minimum 3 years in Technical/Quality Manager roles within food manufacturing.
• Strong HACCP, BRCGS knowledge and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead all food safety, quality and technical activities across the site.
• Maintain and develop HACCP and food safety management systems.
• Ensure BRCGS, customer, retailer and legislative compliance.
• Manage customer, third-party and regulatory audits.
• Investigate complaints and non-conformances with corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain technical policies, procedures and documentation.
• Lead site inspections and internal audit programmes.
• Manage supplier approvals and specifications.
• Provide technical support to Production teams.
• Deliver training and promote food safety culture.
• Monitor and report on key technical/quality KPIs.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisational

Problem-solving

Root cause analysis

Team management

HACCP knowledge

BRCGS compliance

Audits management

Food safety

Quality reporting

Regulatory compliance

MS Office

Education

Food Science degree

Quality management qualification

Tools

Quality reporting systems

Audit management systems

MS Office

HACCP software

Job description

Vickerstock are working in partnership with a growing bakery manufacturer in Ballymena to recruit an experienced Technical Manager to lead the technical and quality functions across the business.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious Technical professional to take ownership of food safety, quality, legality and compliance, whilst working closely with Production, Operations and Senior Management to drive continuous improvement.

What's in it for you?

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience
• Career development opportunities
• Training and professional development
• Staff discounts
• Supportive team environment
• Opportunity to make a real impact within a growing business

The Role

• Lead all food safety, quality and technical activities across the site.
• Maintain and develop HACCP and food safety management systems.
• Ensure compliance with BRCGS, customer, retailer and legislative requirements.
• Manage customer, third-party and regulatory audits.
• Investigate complaints and non-conformances, leading effective corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain technical policies, procedures and documentation.
• Lead site inspections and internal audit programmes.
• Manage supplier approvals and specifications.
• Provide technical support and guidance to Production teams.
• Deliver training and promote a strong food safety and quality culture.
• Monitor and report on key technical and quality performance indicators.

What you'll need

• Degree or relevant qualification in Food Science, Food Technology, Quality Management or a related discipline.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in a Technical Manager, Quality Manager or equivalent role within food manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, BRCGS, food safety and quality management systems.
• Good understanding of food legislation and regulatory compliance.
• Experience managing customer, third-party and regulatory audits.
• Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
• Leadership and team management experience.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and quality reporting systems.

Desirable Criteria (it would be great if you have these but don't worry if you don't!)

• Lead Auditor qualification.
• HACCP Level 4.
• Experience working with major UK retailers.
• Knowledge of allergen management and product specifications.
• Experience within bakery or confectionery manufacturing.