Technical Manager

Morepeople 01780; Chichester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK food safety consultancy is seeking an experienced Technical Manager to drive product quality and compliance in fresh produce operations. This role involves managing technical standards, conducting audits, and supporting supplier due diligence. Ideal candidates will have at least 5 years in the field, strong knowledge of food safety regulations, and experience with internal auditing. A competitive salary and career development opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Career development opportunities

Dynamic work environment

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in Quality Assurance/Food Manufacturing/Fresh Produce.
• Lead Auditor qualification preferred.
• Strong IT skills, including Excel and databases.

Responsibilities

• Support Technical Director in daily operations.
• Ensure products meet all specifications.
• Manage BRC and customer audit programs.

Skills

Quality Assurance

Food Safety

Supplier Management

BRCGS Standards Knowledge

IT Skills - Excel

Education

Internal Auditor qualification

HACCP Level 4

Tools

SAP

Muddy Boots Greenlight QC

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Technical Manager to join a dynamic technical team, driving product quality, food safety, and compliance across their fresh produce operations. You'll play a critical role in supporting both site-based and customer-facing technical activities, ensuring adherence to BRC, customer, and legal standards while fostering continuous improvement throughout the business and supply chain.

This is a hands-on, proactive role ideal for someone passionate about food safety, supplier management, and driving standards across multiple customer accounts.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Technical Director in managing day-to-day operations within the Technical Department to meet business objectives and quality standards.
• Ensure all products are manufactured to agreed internal and external specifications, working alongside the Technical Compliance team.
• Manage internal and third-party auditing programmes (BRC, customer audits), ensuring corrective and preventative actions are followed through.
• Act as the technical point of contact for customer accounts, supporting the commercial and sourcing teams.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across technical systems, processes, and product quality.
• Support supplier due diligence, ensuring efficient approval processes and adherence to all relevant pesticide legislation and food safety regulations.
• Conduct supplier and site audits (UK and overseas), following up on non-conformances and ensuring supplier compliance.
• Support APS UK growing sites with Global Gap, Red Tractor, GRASP, LEAF, and Tesco Nurture audits.
• Lead technical aspects of innovation, NPD projects, and product trials in line with customer expectations.
• Maintain up-to-date product specifications and manage KPI reporting to both internal stakeholders and customers.
• Collaborate across technical functions on group-wide projects to align quality plans and procedures.
• Ensure site adherence to HACCP, TACCP, and product safety procedures, participating in operational meetings.
• Manage and review site Quality & Safety Management Systems for continuous improvement.

About You

Essential Experience & Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years' experience in Quality Assurance / Food Manufacturing / Fresh Produce position
• Internal Auditor qualification (Lead Auditor preferred).
• HACCP Level 4 and TACCP trained.
• Working knowledge of BRCGS (Version 9) standards.
• Experience with customer compliance systems (e.g., Tesco, M&S, Aldi, Waitrose, Ocado).
• Strong IT skills - Excel, databases, and customer portals.
• Knowledge of SAP and Muddy Boots Greenlight QC platforms.
• Experience managing supplier relationships, due diligence, and auditing processes.

Desirable:

• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor trained.
• M&S Select Grower trained auditor.
• Experience working with retailer platforms such as Tesco Foods Connected, Sainsbury Evolve, Waitrose Engage.
• Experience in factory environment, ideally fresh produce/packing sites.

Why Join ?

• Be a key part of a forward-thinking technical team delivering best-in-class products to leading UK retailers.
• Work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where innovation and continuous improvement are encouraged.
• Opportunity for career development and working on high-profile customer accounts.
• Competitive salary package and benefits.

For more information please contact Luan at MorePeople on 01780 480530 or e mail [e-mail]

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