Technical Manager

Confidential Jobs; Manchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential is recruiting for a senior Technical leader in the Lancaster area to own Technical, Food Safety and Quality functions. The role demands decisive decision‑making, risk management and driving technical standards across the site.

You will partner with the Site Director and Operations to lead the Technical/QA function, manage audits, hygiene and regulatory compliance, and drive continuous improvement and team development.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in Technical management roles at senior level.
• Strong background in chilled food manufacturing.
• Extensive knowledge of HACCP, BRCGS, Food Safety, Quality and Hygiene.
• Proven ability to manage audits, customers and regulators.

Responsibilities

• Lead Technical/QA function and set clear direction across site.
• Oversee HACCP and ensure robust Food Safety, Quality and Legal Compliance.
• Ensure compliance with BRCGS, customer standards and food legislation.
• Manage Technical risk and make confident, timely decisions.
• Act as key Technical contact for customers, auditors and regulators.
• Oversee Hygiene compliance and environmental monitoring actions.
• Support continuous improvement in product quality and manufacturing.
• Lead and develop the Technical team.

Skills

Technical Management

Chilled Food

HACCP

Food Safety

Quality

Leadership

Audits

Risk Management

Stakeholder Management

Job description

Competitive salary, dependent on experience

We are currently recruiting for a confidential senior Technical opportunity with an established food manufacturing business in the Lancaster area.

We are looking for an experienced Senior Technical Manager, Technical Manager or Head of Technical with a strong food manufacturing background and a proven track record of making decisions, managing risk and driving Technical standards.

This is a senior, hands‑on role for someone who is confident taking ownership and challenging the business when required.

The Role

You will take responsibility for the site's Technical, Food Safety and Quality functions, working closely with the Site Director and Operations team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the Technical/QA function and providing clear Technical direction across the site.
• Leading HACCP and ensuring robust Food Safety, Quality and Legal Compliance.
• Ensuring compliance with BRCGS, customer standards and food legislation.
• Managing Technical risk and making confident, timely decisions where required.
• Acting as the key Technical contact for customers, auditors and regulatory bodies.
• Managing customer, third‑party and internal audits.
• Overseeing Hygiene compliance, ensuring the Hygiene department consistently meets food safety, legal, customer and audit requirements.
• Reviewing hygiene standards, swabbing/environmental monitoring and corrective actions.
• Supporting continuous improvement, product quality and manufacturing improvements.
• Leading and developing the Technical team.

About You

We are particularly interested in candidates who have:

• Significant experience as a Technical Manager, Senior Technical Manager or Head of Technical.
• Ideally worked across multiple Technical Management roles or operated at Head of Technical level.
• A strong background within chilled food manufacturing.
• Extensive knowledge of HACCP, BRCGS, Food Safety, Quality, Hygiene and legislation.
• Strong experience with customers, retailers, audits and regulatory bodies.
• The confidence to make decisions, challenge senior stakeholders and manage risk.
• A proactive, commercially aware and solutions‑focused approach.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

This is an opportunity for an experienced Technical professional who wants to have real influence within a manufacturing business.

We're looking for someone who can walk onto a site, understand the risks, make decisions, challenge where necessary and drive standards forward.

The company and full site details will be disclosed to suitable candidates during the recruitment process.

All enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence.