Technical Manager

Ignite; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Ignite is looking for a Technical Manager to enhance food safety and quality within a high-growth FMCG brand. This pivotal role involves overseeing product quality, supplier performance, and collaboration across stakeholders. The ideal candidate should have over 6 years of experience in food safety, a strong understanding of microbiology, and capability in managing supplier audits. The position requires a degree in Food Science and offers a hybrid working model with responsibilities including line management and continuous improvement in quality standards.

Qualifications

• 6+ years’ experience in a food safety/technical role within FMCG.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, microbiology, and regulations.
• Experience managing suppliers and conducting audits.

Responsibilities

• Oversee product quality, safety, legality, and supplier performance.
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal stakeholders for improvements.
• Lead supplier approvals, audits, and manage performance via KPIs.

Skills

Food safety

Microbiology

Supplier management

Stakeholder management

Line management

NPD/EPD projects

Education

Degree in Food Science or related field

Job description

Hybrid (3 days onsite in London, 2 days remote)

Ignite is delighted to be partnering with a high-growth FMCG brand in the search for a Technical Manager. This is a pivotal role within a dynamic and fast-scaling business as it continues to expand its UK and internationally.

They are looking for an experienced and detail-driven technical professional to take ownership of product quality, safety, legality and supplier performance across a diverse and fast-growing portfolio. You’ll play a key role in maintaining and evolving the food safety and quality management systems, ensuring best‑in‑class standards are upheld.

Sitting at the heart of the organisation, you will collaborate with suppliers, NPD, and internal stakeholders to drive continuous improvement across the supply base. You’ll lead supplier approvals and audits, manage performance through KPIs and strategic plans, and ensure risks are proactively identified and mitigated.

You will also oversee investigations into product quality and customer complaints, conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions. Alongside this, you’ll take ownership of the technical delivery of NPD and EPD projects, ensuring all products meet regulatory, safety and brand standards before launch.

With line management responsibility, you’ll support and develop junior technical team members, fostering a strong food safety culture and ensuring high performance across the team.

If you thrive in fast-paced environments, are passionate about food quality and safety, and enjoy working closely with suppliers to drive standards and innovation, this role offers the opportunity to make a real impact in a growing and ambitious brand.

What skills do you need?

• 6+ years’ experience in a food safety/technical role within FMCG
• Strong knowledge of food safety, microbiology and regulations
• Experience managing suppliers and conducting audits
• Proven ability to drive improvements in quality and performance
• Experience working on NPD/EPD projects
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Line management experience (or ready to step into it)
• Degree in Food Science or related field

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