Technical Manager

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

Job summary

Zest is seeking an experienced Technical Manager to take full ownership of the site technical function in a leading food manufacturing operation in the UK. You will lead the day-to-day technical team, drive quality standards, food safety compliance, and audit readiness, reporting to the Head of Technical.

The role requires a minimum of 5 years in food manufacturing, a Food Science degree, and strong HACCP/BRC knowledge.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in food manufacturing.
• Degree in Food Science or related field.
• Experience in a Technical Manager or senior technical role.
• Knowledge of HACCP and BRC standards.
• Ability to lead and develop a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the site technical team and manage all technical functions.
• Ensure procedures and quality systems are up to date and fit for purpose.
• Maintain audit readiness and comply with audits (BRC/retailer).
• Liaise with other departments across the factory.
• Host and lead external visits to customers/retailers.

Skills

HACCP knowledge

BRC standards

Team leadership

Quality & compliance

Retailer standards

Food safety

Excellent communication

Education

Food Science degree

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

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