Technical Manager

Northern Soul Recruitment; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Soul Recruitment is seeking a Technical Manager in Lancashire to lead technical, quality and compliance activities within a food and drink manufacturing environment. You will oversee technical teams, drive quality standards, support audits and collaborate with operations and supply chain to resolve issues.

The role focuses on continuous improvement, regulatory compliance, and providing technical support across the site, including NPD collaborations and feasibility reviews.

Qualifications

• Must interpret technical data, quality metrics and production performance.
• Experience leading cross-functional technical or quality teams.
• Knowledge of food safety standards and regulatory requirements in FMCG.

Responsibilities

• Oversee technical, quality and compliance activities in a food & drink manufacturing site.
• Lead technical investigations, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with operations, NPD and supply chain to resolve issues.
• Review specifications and documentation, support new product development.

Skills

Analytical skills

Team management

Technical problem solving

R&D / product development

Project management

Communication

Organizational skills

Industry knowledge: Food & FMCG

Education

Degree in Food Science / Engineering / Quality Management or related

Tools

Quality systems: HACCP, BRCGS

Job description

Technical Manager

Lancashire

Food

£55k - £60k

Company Description

Northern Soul Recruitment is a specialist recruiter and headhunter focused on the Food and Drink manufacturing and FMCG sector. With over 13 years of industry experience, the company supports hiring across operations, supply chain, technical and quality, engineering, NPD and innovation, commercial, marketing, finance, IT, and HR. Northern Soul Recruitment works with roles covering permanent and fixed-term contracts across all temperature categories, including frozen, chilled, ambient, ingredients, drinks, and packaging. The team partners closely with employers and professionals to match technical and leadership talent with the needs of dynamic manufacturing environments.

Role Description

The Technical Manager is a full-time, on-site role based in the Lancashire area overseeing technical, quality, and compliance activities within a food and drink manufacturing environment. This role manages technical teams, sets quality standards, and ensures that products meet regulatory, safety, and customer requirements. Day-to-day responsibilities include maintaining and improving quality systems, leading technical investigations, supporting audits, and collaborating with operations, NPD, and supply chain teams to resolve issues and drive continuous improvement. The Technical Manager will also provide technical support across the site, review specifications and documentation, and contribute to new product development projects by assessing feasibility and ensuring compliance. The role requires regular communication with internal stakeholders and external bodies, including customers, suppliers, and regulatory agencies.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical skills to interpret technical data, quality metrics, and production performance.
• Demonstrated team management experience, including leading cross-functional technical or quality teams.
• Proficiency in providing technical support within manufacturing, including troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
• Experience in research and development (R&D), particularly in food or drink product and process innovation.
• Solid project management skills to plan, execute, and deliver technical and improvement projects on time.
• Relevant degree or equivalent experience in Food Science, Engineering, Quality Management, or a related discipline.
• Knowledge of food safety standards, quality systems (e.g., HACCP, BRCGS), and regulatory requirements in FMCG.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and present technical information clearly.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with a focus on continuous improvement and best practice.
• Experience in the Food and Drink manufacturing sector or wider FMCG industry is highly beneficial.

Contact:

(phone number removed)

Gemma Harris