Technical Manager

D R Newitt & Associates; Tendring; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

D R Newitt & Associates is seeking an experienced Technical or Quality Manager for a hands-on role in a food manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will own the technical and quality function, maintaining robust systems and leading the Quality team.

You will oversee audits, HACCP, and compliance with BRCGS and other standards, while supporting production and NPD to ensure products are safe and compliant. A practical, collaborative leader is essential.

Qualifications

• Solid technical or quality background in food manufacturing.
• Experience leading external audits and corrective actions.
• Strong knowledge of BRCGS standards and food safety legislation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage external audits, ensuring standards are maintained and audit requirements are met.
• Maintain the site HACCP system.
• Ensure compliance with BRCGS, Kosher and Halal requirements.
• Act as key contact for customer technical and quality queries.
• Lead and develop the Quality team and supervise QC activities on the factory floor.

Skills

Quality management

Auditing

Food safety

HACCP

Team leadership

Education

HACCP Level 3

Food Hygiene Level 3

Degree in Food Science or related

Job description

Are you an experienced Technical or Quality Manager looking for a hands-on role where you can take ownership of food safety, quality and compliance?

We're working with an established food manufacturing business specialising in seasonings and spices, supplying customers across the UK and international markets. They're looking for a Technical & Quality Manager to oversee their technical and quality systems, support the wider operation and help maintain the standards their customers expect.

Reporting to the Operations Manager, you'll work closely with Production, NPD and other departments to ensure products are safe, compliant and consistently meet the required standards.

The role

This is a varied, hands-on position combining technical management, quality assurance, audit leadership and team development. You'll be responsible for maintaining robust systems while also being involved in day-to-day quality activities on the factory floor.

• Leading and managing external audits, ensuring standards are maintained and audit requirements are met.
• Managing and maintaining the site HACCP system.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant BRCGS, Kosher and Halal requirements.
• Acting as a key point of contact for customer technical and quality queries.
• Managing internal audits, traceability exercises and technical review meetings.
• Overseeing supplier approval, supplier performance and raw material risk assessments.
• Supporting day-to-day QC activities, including factory floor checks and covering QC absences when required.
• Managing the approval and release of raw materials, packaging and finished products.
• Maintaining product specifications and checking labels and production documentation for accuracy.
• Investigating non-conformances, supplier issues and customer complaints, ensuring appropriate corrective actions are implemented.
• Ensuring sampling, testing and quality control procedures are followed effectively.
• Training and supporting colleagues on food safety, quality procedures and work instructions.
• Leading, developing and supporting the Quality team.
• Keeping COSHH documentation and relevant risk assessments up to date.
• Promoting a positive food safety culture and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.

About you

We're looking for someone with a solid technical or quality background in food manufacturing who is comfortable taking responsibility while remaining practical and approachable.

You’ll ideally have:

• Previous experience in a Technical or Quality Management role within food manufacturing.
• HACCP Level 3 or above.
• Food Hygiene Level 3 or above.
• Good knowledge of BRCGS standards and food safety legislation.
• Experience leading external audits and managing corrective actions.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the confidence to make sound technical decisions.
• The ability to communicate effectively with customers, suppliers and colleagues at all levels.
• Good organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands in a busy manufacturing environment.
• A collaborative approach to developing people and maintaining high standards across the site.

Why consider this opportunity?

This is an opportunity to take ownership of the technical and quality function within an established food manufacturing business, with a varied role that combines strategic responsibility with hands-on involvement in day-to-day operations.

If you enjoy maintaining high standards, supporting a team and making a practical difference to food safety and product quality, we'd be interested in hearing from you.