Technical Manager

The People Co; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-paced food manufacturing business in the UK is seeking a Technical Manager to ensure food safety and quality. This role involves leading quality systems, managing audits, and overseeing compliance while leading a small QA team. Candidates should have a degree in a food science discipline and experience in food safety within manufacturing. Strong knowledge of HACCP and BRCGS standards is essential. Excellent project management and communication skills are also required.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a Technical/Food Safety role within food manufacturing.
• Food Safety Level 3 or 4, HACCP Level 3 or 4.
• Experience managing a technical/QA team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the site technical function for compliance.
• Maintain and evolve the site’s Quality Management System.
• Act as HACCP Team Leader and primary contact for all audits.

Skills

Knowledge of HACCP

Team Management

Food Safety Compliance

Project Management

Microbiology Knowledge

Education

Higher education in food or science-related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, fast-paced food manufacturing business supplying high-quality prepared products to the hospitality industry. Known for its artisan approach and agile service model, the business is focused on quality, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement.

The Role

As Technical Manager, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the food produced is safe, legal and meets the highest standards of quality. Reporting to the Factory Manager and working closely with the Group Technical Director, you will lead the Quality and Food Safety agenda at site level. This includes maintaining the Quality Management System, managing audits and accreditations, and overseeing the site’s transition from SALSA to BRCGS standards.

You will lead and develop a small QA team and act as the primary technical contact for customers, suppliers and external bodies. This role offers real influence and autonomy in a growing business where your input will directly shape technical standards and processes.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead and manage the site technical function, ensuring compliance with food safety, quality and legal standards.
• Maintain and evolve the site’s Quality Management System, including HACCP and internal audit programmes.
• Drive site readiness from SALSA accreditation towards BRCGS certification.
• Act as HACCP Team Leader and primary point of contact for all audits (customer, EHO, 3rd party).
• Investigate customer complaints, identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Oversee supplier approvals, raw material risk assessments and product specifications.
• Manage and develop a small QA team, ensuring sufficient technical cover across all shifts.
• Monitor and report on Technical KPIs, including micro testing, complaints, audit scores and site compliance.
• Provide technical input to NPD, Production and Sales to support new product launches and continuous improvement.
• Promote a strong food safety and quality culture across the site.

Person Profile

• Higher education qualification in a food or science-related discipline
• Previous experience in a Technical/Food Safety role within food manufacturing (ideally high care or high risk)
• Food Safety Level 3 or 4, HACCP Level 3 or 4, and trained internal auditor
• Experience managing a technical/QA team
• Strong working knowledge of SALSA standards and exposure to BRCGS
• Strong knowledge of microbiology, QMS, HACCP, and food safety legislation
• Highly organised, proactive and detail-oriented, with excellent planning and project management skills
• Confident communicator across all levels, from operatives to senior leadership
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)