Technical Manager

Zest Recruitment; England; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing start-up food business in the UK is seeking an experienced Technical or Senior QA Manager. This role involves leading and developing the Technical/QA function, ensuring compliance and driving a strong food safety culture. Candidates should have proven experience in the food manufacturing industry, with a solid understanding of HACCP and food safety standards. This is an opportunity for a dynamic professional eager to make a significant impact in a scaling organization.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a similar Technical Manager role within the food manufacturing industry.
• In-depth understanding of HACCP, food safety legislation, and BRCGS standards.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop the Technical/QA function.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and review of a robust HACCP system.
• Champion and embed a strong food safety and quality culture across the site.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety legislation understanding

HACCP knowledge

Audit management

Stakeholder engagement

Organisational skills

Detail-oriented

Continuous improvement mindset

Education

Degree in Food Science, Food Technology or related discipline

Job description

If you're an experienced Technical or Senior QA Manager seeking a fresh challenge, this is a standout opportunity to join a fast-growing start-up food business at a crucial stage. With strong product demand and rapid scale-up, they need someone adaptable who can juggle priorities, build food safety processes, embed standards, and shape the technical function for the future. Make your mark and help steer the business forward.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop the Technical/QA function, ensuring compliance in all activities
• Oversee the design, implementation, and review of a robust and validated HACCP system
• Champion and embed a strong food safety and quality culture across the site
• Ensure all food safety, quality and compliance systems meet legal, customer, and internal standards
• Take full responsibility for the site's readiness for all customer, third-party, and regulatory audits
• Manage all technical visits, customer interactions, and site audits from start to finish
• Collaborate as an active member of the senior management team and contribute to site-wide decision making
• Monitor and report on key technical KPIs and implement effective corrective actions where needed

Key Requirements

• Proven experience in a similar Technical Manager role within the food manufacturing industry
• In-depth understanding of HACCP, food safety legislation, and BRCGS standards
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Audit management experience (retailer, customer, BRCGS, and regulatory bodies)
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
• Organised, detail-oriented, and able to drive continuous improvement
• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology or related discipline (desirable)

This is a new opportunity for a confident and collaborative technical professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and wants to make a tangible impact.

If your skills and experience align to the role - send your application to [e-mail]