Technical Manager

D R Newitt & Associates; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

D R Newitt & Associates is seeking an experienced Technical Manager for a growing fresh produce operation in the UK. The role leads the technical and quality function at a new site, establishing robust QMS, food safety processes and supplier/audit controls.

You will work closely with senior management, production, suppliers and customers to ensure compliance with legal, BRC and customer requirements, while building a strong quality culture and scalable processes for expansion.

Qualifications

• Experience in a Technical, Quality Assurance or Quality Management role within food manufacturing or fresh produce.
• Strong understanding of food safety legislation and customer requirements.
• HACCP Level 3 or equivalent qualification is required.
• Ability to lead, motivate and develop teams across a site.
• Proficient in QA systems, audits and technical compliance.
• Experience supporting site development or production expansion is advantageous.
• Excellent IT skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and data analysis ability.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the site's technical and quality function, maintaining the QMS.
• Develop and implement food safety, quality and product integrity systems to meet standards.
• Conduct gap analyses against standards and drive improvements.
• Lead internal, external and customer audits, host auditors and present documentation.
• Manage supplier and contractor approvals, ensuring due diligence and records are up to date.
• Build strong relationships with customer technical teams as the main contact for queries.
• Oversee food safety systems, product specs, document control and records.
• Manage microbiological and pesticide testing schedules and investigate issues.
• Monitor customer service levels, complaints and product rejections; drive CAPAs.
• Support expansion of production lines with appropriate technical controls and standards.
• Collaborate with operations to foster a strong food safety and quality culture.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety

Quality management

Auditing

Problem solving

Communication

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Education

Food safety qualification (HACCP Level 3)

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Technical Manager to join a growing and well-established food manufacturing business specialising in fresh produce.

This is a particularly exciting time to join the business, with the recent opening of a new production site forming part of its wider expansion plans. With the operation continuing to grow and an increasing number of production lines being introduced, this role offers the opportunity to take the lead in establishing, developing and maintaining technical, quality and food safety standards at a new site.

You will have real ownership and influence, working closely with senior management, production teams, suppliers, customers and external auditors to ensure the site operates to the highest standards. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys building systems, developing teams and supporting a growing manufacturing operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the site's Technical and Quality function, maintaining and continuously improving the Quality Management System (QMS).


• Develop and implement food safety, quality and product integrity systems to ensure compliance with legal, BRC and customer requirements.


• Conduct gap analyses against relevant standards and identify opportunities for improvement across the operation.


• Lead and support internal, external and customer audits, including hosting auditors, coordinating site tours and presenting technical documentation.


• Manage supplier and contractor approval processes, ensuring all due diligence, compliance documentation and records are accurate and up to date.


• Build and maintain strong relationships with customer technical teams, acting as a key point of contact for technical and quality-related queries.


• Oversee food safety systems, product specifications, document control and technical records, ensuring information remains accurate and compliant.


• Manage microbiological and pesticide testing schedules, reviewing results and ensuring any issues are appropriately investigated and resolved.


• Monitor customer service levels, complaints and product rejections, conducting root cause analysis and implementing effective corrective and preventative actions.


• Support the introduction and expansion of production lines, ensuring appropriate technical controls, procedures and food safety standards are established as the operation grows.


• Work collaboratively with operational teams to promote a strong food safety and quality culture throughout the business.

About You

• Previous experience in a Technical, Quality Assurance or Quality Management role within the food manufacturing or fresh produce industry.


• Strong understanding of food safety legislation, customer requirements and relevant industry standards.


• Food Safety qualification and HACCP Level 3 (minimum).


• Previous team management experience, with the ability to support, motivate and develop colleagues.


• Strong understanding of Quality Management Systems, audit processes and technical compliance.


• Experience supporting site development, production expansion or implementing technical systems would be advantageous.


• Excellent IT skills, particularly Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook.


• Analytical and strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and investigation skills.


• Highly organised, with the ability to prioritise workloads and manage competing deadlines.


• Confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders.


• A proactive, collaborative approach with the confidence to work independently and take ownership of responsibilities.

Desirable:

• Previous experience within the fresh produce or fruit industry.


• Internal Auditor or Lead Auditor qualification.


• Knowledge of major retailer technical standards and customer codes of practice