Technical Manager

Zest Recruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Zest Recruitment is working with a leading food manufacturer to appoint an experienced Technical Manager for their Manchester site. You will own the technical function, drive quality standards, food safety compliance and audit readiness while leading the site technical team.

Reporting to the Head of Technical, you will shape the technical strategy, develop your team, and ensure seamless collaboration with cross-functional departments to uphold retailer standards and continuous improvement across

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years in food manufacturing
• Experience in a Technical Manager or senior technical role
• Strong HACCP/BRC knowledge and retailer standards

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the site technical team and all technical functions
• Develop and motivate the technical team for performance growth
• Ensure procedures, documentation and quality systems are current and fit for purpose
• Maintain audit readiness and compliance across the site
• Collaborate with other departments across the factory
• Oversee HACCP and food safety systems
• Coordinate external audits and act as main point of contact
• Manage visits from customers and retailers
• Ensure products meet BRC and retailer standards
• Oversee internal audit scheduling and follow-up actions

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Food safety

Team development

Education

Degree in Food Science

Job description

About the Role

We are working exclusively with a leading name in the food manufacturing industry to recruit an experienced Technical Manager to join their site team. This opportunity has arisen due to recent internal developments, as our client continues to invest in and expand its technical function. This is a pivotal role for the site, taking full ownership of the technical department and leading all technical functions across the operation. You will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the site’s technical team, driving quality standards, food safety compliance, and audit readiness across the business. Reporting directly to the Head of Technical, this is an excellent opportunity for a driven technical professional to take the next step in their career within a well-established and forward‑thinking manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the site technical team, overseeing all technical functions across the business
• Lead, develop, and motivate the technical team, supporting their ongoing growth and performance
• Ensure all procedures, documentation, and quality systems are kept up to date and fit for purpose
• Ensure the site is audit‑ready at all times, maintaining the highest standards of compliance
• Work collaboratively and cross‑functionally with other departments across the factory
• Lead HACCP across the site, ensuring food safety systems remain robust and current
• Lead external audits, including BRC and retailer audits, acting as the key point of contact
• Host and lead external visits to the site, including customer and retailer visits
• Ensure all products meet BRC and relevant retailer standards
• Manage and oversee the internal audit schedule, ensuring timely completion and follow‑up actions

Requirements

• A minimum of 5+ years’ experience within the food manufacturing industry
• Previous experience in a similar Technical Manager or senior technical position
• A degree in Food Science or a related subject
• Strong working knowledge of HACCP and BRC standards
• Proven experience working to retailer standards
• Demonstrable ability to lead, manage, and develop a team
• Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to liaise across all levels of the business
• Strong food safety knowledge and a genuine passion for quality and compliance
• Extensive food manufacturing experience and technical knowledge

Salary

£55,000 – £60,000