Technical Manager

D R Newitt & Associates; Chatteris; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

D R Newitt & Associates seeks an experienced UK Technical & Quality Manager to lead technical, food safety, quality and compliance for imported fresh produce destined for major UK retailers.

The role covers international supplier oversight, third-party packhouses, and ensuring products meet UK legislation and retailer standards while maintaining traceability and supplier collaboration across the supply chain.

Qualifications

• Experience in a Technical or Quality role within fresh produce or food supply.
• Knowledge of UK retailer technical standards.
• Experience with imported produce and international supply chains.
• Experience with supplier approvals, audits and due diligence.
• Familiarity with Sedex or similar ethical audit platforms.
• Understanding of UK food safety legislation and traceability.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Hands-on, practical problem-solving approach.
• Willingness to travel to supplier and packhouse sites.

Responsibilities

• Oversee food safety, quality and regulatory compliance for imported fresh produce.
• Manage supplier approval, due diligence, audits and corrective actions.
• Maintain traceability and technical compliance across the supply chain.
• Manage Sedex, PPPL documentation and other customer/certification requirements.
• Provide technical and quality support to third-party packhouses.
• Conduct site visits and quality inspections where required.
• Investigate complaints, rejections and non-conformances, including root cause analysis.
• Produce quality reports and monitor product and stock quality.
• Keep suppliers, retailers and internal stakeholders informed of relevant technical and legislative changes.

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced UK Technical & Quality Manager to take ownership of technical, food safety, quality and compliance activities for imported fresh produce supplied to major UK retailers.

This is a hands-on role working across international suppliers, third-party packhouses and retail customers. You will play a key role in ensuring products meet UK legislation, retailer standards and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee food safety, quality and regulatory compliance for imported fresh produce.
• Manage supplier approval, due diligence, audits and corrective actions.
• Maintain traceability and technical compliance across the supply chain.
• Manage Sedex, PPPL documentation and other customer/certification requirements.
• Provide technical and quality support to third-party packhouses.
• Conduct site visits and quality inspections where required.
• Investigate complaints, rejections and non-conformances, including root cause analysis.
• Produce quality reports and monitor product and stock quality.
• Keep suppliers, retailers and internal stakeholders informed of relevant technical and legislative changes.

About You

• Proven experience in a Technical or Quality role within fresh produce or food supply.
• Strong knowledge of UK retailer technical standards.
• Experience with imported produce and international supply chains.
• Strong understanding of supplier approval, audits and due diligence.
• Experience with Sedex or similar ethical audit platforms.
• Good knowledge of UK food safety legislation and traceability.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A practical, hands-on approach to problem-solving.
• Willingness to travel to supplier and packhouse sites.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who is organised, commercially aware, detail-focused and proactive, with the confidence to work independently and build strong relationships with suppliers, packhouses and retailers.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing international fresh produce business and take ownership of a key technical and quality function.