Technical Manager

The Compleat Food Group; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading chilled prepared food manufacturer in Milton Keynes seeks a Technical Manager to deliver business and technical strategies. The role includes managing the factory technical team, ensuring compliance with client expectations, and driving continuous improvements. Candidates should have a strong background in food safety and technical management, alongside proven experience in a fast-paced environment. The job offers a competitive salary and various employee benefits.

Benefits

33 days annual leave

Free on-site parking

Employee Volunteering Days

Discount scheme

Well-being and community support

Charity initiatives

24/7 access to Grocery Aid

Qualifications

• Proven track record of technical/quality management in a fast paced environment.
• Experience of leading retailer and certification audits.
• UK retailer experience required, ideally Top 5 retailer.

Responsibilities

• Deliver technical plans for the site meeting retailers’ requirements.
• Manage the factory technical team and drive continuous improvements.
• Develop and manage customer joint quality plans.

Skills

Strong technical acumen

Strong organisational skills

Strong people management skills

Excellent communication skills

Time management skills

Education

Degree qualified (Food background)

HACCP level 3

Food Safety level 3

TACCP/Integrity

Lead auditor certification

Full UK driving license

Tools

MS Office applications

Specifications systems

Raw material management systems

Job description

Job Advert: Technical Manager

Who We Are: At The Compleat Food Group we’re not just serving up great food, we’re creating an environment where our people can thrive. As one of the leading chilled prepared food manufacturers in the UK food industry, we believe that our employees are the secret ingredient to our success. We’re passionate about fostering a culture where quality, innovation, collaboration, and personal growth are at the forefront.

Location: Milton Keynes, MK6 4AH

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 – 17:00

Salary: Up to £49,500 DOE

Purpose: Delivering the business and technical strategy for each customer, whilst driving quality and food safety through a collaborative approach, utilising quality improvement plans involving all key stakeholders (internal and external).

Your Duties Will Include

• Delivering excellence in technical customer management and ensuring compliance with client expectations and management.
• Manage the factory technical team on a day-to-day basis, delivering excellent factory standards, driving continuous factory and technical improvements.
• Deliver technical plans for the site that demonstrate the delivery of the retailers’ requirements and The Compleat Food Group’s requirements.
• Develop cross functional relationships at site and group level to encourage joined up working, ensuring all functions are aware of technical activity.
• Set clear objectives for the technical team with regular reviews.
• Work cross functionally within the Senior Leadership Team, wider organisation, account, and site departments to deliver safe, legal, and high-quality products.
• Effectively use data to manage site performance, with accuracy to ensure continuous improvement.
• Develop, manage, and improve customer joint quality plans.
• Assist/Manage customer visits, audits, launches.
• Maintain high audit accreditation/results.
• Support in product process and design from a technical perspective.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified (Food background).
• HACCP level 3.
• Food Safety level 3.
• TACCP/Integrity.
• Lead auditor.
• Full UK driving license.

Experience

• Proven track record of technical/quality management in a challenging fast paced environment (ideally chilled foods).
• Proven ability to communicate and negotiate effectively in reactive and flexible situations.
• UK retailer experience required, ideally Top 5 retailer and BRC experience.
• Experience of leading retailer and certification audits.
• Proven track record of managing a factory facing technical team.
• Accomplished in driving factory technical standards and technical KPI’s forwards.

Key Skills and Knowledge

• Strong technical acumen.
• Previous technical management experience in similar environment.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Strong people management skills.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written including strong influencing skills.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Sound knowledge of food science and good understanding of UK and European regulation and legislation.
• Knowledge of retailer COPs.
• Commercial awareness.
• Proficient in the use of MS Office applications, specifications systems and raw material management systems.

Benefits to Include

• 33 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays)
• Free on-site parking
• 2 Employee Volunteering Days per year
• Online and High-street retailer discount scheme
• Employee well-being and community support groups
• Charity Initiatives and Team events
• 24/7 Access to Grocery Aid (Free Financial, Emotional and Practical Support)

The Compleat Food Group fosters an inclusive, respectful culture where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. We welcome diverse talent, knowing it drives exceptional results and a better workplace.

We are committed to Fairness, Equity, Inclusivity, and Respect, we ensure all colleagues can thrive by bringing their whole selves to work. As an equal opportunities employer, we provide all the support you need to succeed.

Contact us with any questions about Diversity & Inclusion or accessibility during the application process.

Recruitment

We have a small, active and trusted Preferred Supplier List to assist us if required. We do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions. We only accept CV submissions for roles released to you directly by our Talent Acquisition team.

If you would be interested in working with us please send a message to [e-mail] and should we have any roles we need additional support with we will reach out to you.