Technical Manager

Kingston Barnes Ltd; Tewkesbury; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary up to £54,000

40 hours per week (Mon-Fri)

Enhanced pension (6.5% employee, 7.0%+

Health & Wellbeing Cashback Scheme

Private Medical Insurance after 2 años

Job summary

Kingston Barnes Ltd is seeking an experienced Technical Manager to lead the technical function in a quality-driven FMCG environment. You will drive food safety, QA, HACCP system development and supplier and laboratory oversight, ensuring high standards across production and quality assurance.

You will report to the Operations Director and steer audits, certifications and customer requirements while supporting new product development and supplier approvals.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in a food-related subject.
• Experience in a technical or quality leadership role within FMCG/food manufacturing.
• Proven leadership across multiple staff and managers.
• Experience with BRC standards in high-risk food manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of food safety legislation, HACCP and quality mgmt systems.
• Experience conducting internal and external audits.
• Ability to coach and develop a team.
• Knowledge of the dairy or wider food industry.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for food safety, technical compliance and continuous improvement.
• Lead quality assurance activities and ensure compliance with legislation and customer requirements.
• Maintain and develop HACCP plans, food safety systems, process controls and documentation.
• Prepare for and host BRC certification assessments and other audits.
• Monitor production processes and audit operations for compliance.
• Manage customer complaints, investigate issues and implement corrective actions.
• Provide technical support for new product development and supplier approvals.
• Lead and develop the laboratory team and Quality Technicians.
• Collaborate with senior management to improve performance and standards.
• Promote a strong food safety culture through training and communication.

Skills

Leadership

HACCP

Food safety

Audits

Supplier approval

Laboratory leadership

Education

Degree in food-related subject

Food Safety Level 3

HACCP Level 3

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Technical Manager

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Technical Manager to join a well-established food manufacturing business operating within a quality-driven, highly regulated environment.

This is a key leadership position, offering the opportunity to shape technical standards, strengthen food safety culture and drive continuous improvement across the business.

Reporting to the Operations Director, you will lead the Technical function, overseeing quality assurance, food safety compliance and laboratory operations, while working closely with production and operational teams to maintain the highest standards of product quality and safety.

The Role

• Providing strategic leadership for food safety, technical compliance and continuous improvement.
• Leading quality assurance activities and ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, customer requirements and industry standards.
• Maintaining and developing HACCP plans, food safety systems, process controls and supporting documentation.
• Preparing for and hosting BRC certification assessments, customer audits and other site accreditation activities.
• Monitoring production processes and auditing operations to ensure compliance and effective due diligence.
• Managing customer complaints, investigating issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Providing technical support for new product development, including the approval of suppliers, products and processes.
• Leading, developing and supporting the laboratory team and Quality Technicians.
• Working collaboratively with senior management and operational colleagues to improve business performance, quality standards and working practices.
• Promoting a strong food safety culture through effective training, communication and team development.

About You

We are looking for a technically strong and commercially aware individual who can combine excellent food safety knowledge with confident leadership and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

• A degree, HND or equivalent qualification in a food-related subject.
• Proven experience in a technical or quality leadership role within FMCG or food manufacturing.
• A strong leadership background, experience in managing multiple staff members and other managers/supervisors, the ability to coach and develop a team.
• A background in Chilled food, High-care/High Risk, or short shelf life products is particularly desirable
• Experience working with BRC standards in a high-risk food manufacturing environment.
• A strong understanding of food safety legislation, HACCP and quality management systems.
• Experience conducting internal and external audits.
• Previous experience managing, developing and motivating a team.
• Food Safety Level 3 and HACCP Level 3 qualifications.
• Excellent communication, reporting and organisational skills.
• Strong attention to detail, sound judgement and the ability to work independently.
• Good problem-solving skills and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Knowledge of the dairy or wider food industry.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a critical business function, influence quality and food safety standards, and work closely with senior leadership to deliver meaningful operational improvements.

The successful candidate will play an important role in protecting product integrity, maintaining customer confidence and supporting the ongoing development of the business.

Benefits

• Salary up to £54,000
• Monday to Friday 40 hours per week
• Enhanced pension (6.5% employee, 7.0% Employer)
• Health & Wellbeing Cashback Scheme
• Private Medical Insurance after 2 years
• Holidays