Technical Manager

Zest Recruitment; Scotland; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A food industry recruitment agency is seeking a Technical Manager to lead technical operations in Somerset. This role involves ensuring compliance with food safety standards, managing hygiene teams, and driving continuous improvement. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in food manufacturing, excellent organizational skills, and knowledge of quality systems. This is a chance to impact a high-performing site directly.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a food factory environment.
• Strong understanding of BRC standards and customer codes of practice.
• Ability to manage technical teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day activities of technical teams.
• Maintain HACCP and QMS systems to ensure compliance.
• Conduct audits and manage customer specifications.

Skills

Leadership

Quality Management Systems

Food Safety Standards

Interpersonal Skills

Attention to Detail

Time Management

Education

Degree in a food-related discipline

Job description

Technical Manager - Food Industry
Location: Somerset
Full-time, Permanent

Are you a hands on leader with a passion for quality and food safety? Our client is looking for an experienced and driven Technical Manager to take ownership of technical and hygiene operations on site, ensuring the highest standards are consistently achieved and exceeded.

Reporting directly to the Head of Technical, you'll lead a dedicated team and play a key role in maintaining compliance, driving continuous improvement, and supporting a culture of excellence across all departments.

Key Responsibilities:
Lead the day-to-day activities of the technical and hygiene teams

Oversee and maintain HACCP, TACCP & VACCP systems

Ensure company standards are embedded across all factory areas, including production, goods-in, engineering, and process

Manage the Quality Management System (QMS)

Deliver technical training across teams, ensuring full understanding and compliance

Investigate customer complaints, implement corrective actions, and monitor trends for continuous improvement

Collaborate with production and NPD teams to validate processes and procedures

Maintain and monitor technical KPIs, working closely with the laboratory manager

Conduct QMS and GMP audits alongside departmental managers

Oversee site-wide pest control

Manage customer and third-party audits, ensuring swift resolution of actions

Review and align internal practices with BRC and customer standards

Take full responsibility for customer specification systems and supplier approval processes

Manage internal taste panels and concessions

Ideal Candidate:
We're looking for a proactive and adaptable leader with a strong background in food manufacturing. You'll be capable of working under pressure, with a positive, solutions-focused approach.

Essential:

Previous experience in a food factory environment

Solid understanding of Quality Management Systems

Knowledge of BRC standards and customer codes of practice

Excellent organisational and time management skills

Strong interpersonal and communication abilities

Attention to detail with a high level of accuracy

Degree or equivalent qualification in a food-related discipline

Desirable:

Proven experience managing technical teams

Experience with customer specification portals and supplier management

A flexible, team-focused approach with the ability to lead from the front

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone ready to take the next step in their technical career and truly make an impact. If you're ready to lead with confidence, drive standards, and help shape the future of a high-performing site, we'd love to hear from you.

As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website http://www.zestfoodjobs.co.uk/privacy-policy/