Technical Manager

Alexander Steele Recruitment; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

33 days annual leave

Hybrid working

Job summary

Alexander Steele Recruitment is recruiting an experienced Technical Manager for a London-based food business. You will oversee technical standards, supplier relationships and regulatory compliance across the UK supply chain.

The role offers a competitive salary, a performance bonus, 33 days annual leave and hybrid working. You will lead the technical team, drive improvements and support new product introductions while ensuring food safety and quality throughout operations.

Qualifications

• Degree educated in Food Science, Food Technology or related discipline.
• Proven experience in Technical Management or senior technical position within the food industry.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, quality assurance, supplier auditing and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support and develop the technical team to high performance.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Sales and Supply Chain to embed technical considerations in commercial decisions.
• Oversee technical requirements for new product development and launches to meet customer expectations and standards.
• Build relationships with suppliers to improve product quality, compliance and performance.
• Oversee investigations related to customer concerns, quality issues and supply chain incidents.

Job description

Alexander Steele Recruitment is working in partnership with an established and highly regarded business within the food industry to recruit an experienced Technical Manager to join their team in London.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially aware and technically strong individual to take on a varied and influential position within a business supplying a diverse portfolio of food products to customers across the UK.

The successful candidate will play a key role in overseeing technical standards, strengthening supplier relationships and ensuring the highest levels of food safety, quality and regulatory compliance are maintained throughout the supply chain.

Working closely with the wider commercial, procurement and operational teams, you will have the opportunity to influence technical strategy, drive improvements and support the successful introduction of new products to market.

On Offer

Competitive salary of £60,000 – £65,000 depending on experience

Performance-related bonus

33 days annual leave

Hybrid working arrangement

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, support and develop members of the technical team, encouraging high performance and continuous professional development.
• Work collaboratively with Procurement, Sales and Supply Chain teams to ensure technical considerations are embedded into commercial activities and business decisions.
• Take ownership of technical requirements associated with new product development and launches, ensuring products meet customer expectations and relevant standards.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers, supporting improvements in product quality, compliance and operational performance.
• Oversee technical investigations relating to customer concerns, product quality issues and supply chain incidents, ensuring effective corrective actions are implemented.
• Review and maintain product specifications, labelling information and packaging artwork, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Coordinate supplier assessments and audit programmes, following up on findings and supporting suppliers in achieving the required standards.
• Monitor supply chain risks and work with internal stakeholders to identify potential vulnerabilities and develop appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Ensure products and suppliers meet relevant food safety, quality and legislative requirements, including applicable UK and EU regulations.
• Analyse technical performance data, identify trends and implement improvements to strengthen processes and supplier performance.
• Act as a key technical contact for customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders, providing guidance and support on food safety, quality and compliance matters.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of technical systems, procedures and ways of working to support the continued success of the business.

About You

• Degree educated in Food Science, Food Technology or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in a Technical Management, Quality Management or senior technical position within the food industry.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, quality assurance, supplier auditing and regulatory compliance.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and driving improvements across a food manufacturing or supply chain environment.
• Good working knowledge of HACCP, BRCGS standards and relevant UK and EU food legislation.
• Previous experience leading, mentoring or managing technical teams.
• Confident communicator with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to managing technical challenges.
• Experience supporting product development, specifications, packaging compliance and product launches would be advantageous.
• Lead Auditor qualifications or additional food safety certifications would be beneficial.
• Willingness to travel to supplier and customer sites when required.

Why Join?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a well-established and respected business operating within the food industry, offering a diverse product portfolio and strong relationships with customers and suppliers.

You'll be joining a business where technical excellence is a key priority and where your expertise will have a genuine impact on product quality, supplier performance and the wider commercial success of the organisation.

The position offers an excellent balance of technical leadership, supplier engagement and strategic involvement, providing the opportunity to develop your experience beyond traditional site-based Technical Management.

With a competitive salary, bonus, generous holiday entitlement, hybrid working and additional benefits, this is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious Technical Manager looking to take the next step in their career.