Technical Manager at Hewitt Meats

Hewitt Meats; Craigavon; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension scheme

Job summary

Primestock Meats seeks a Technical Manager to own the Food Safety and Quality Management System (FSQMS) and ensure 100% compliance with DAERA, FSA and BRCGS across our beef processing operation. This full-time, on-site role starts daily at 07:00 on the production floor.

You will lead regulatory relationships, drive technical compliance and nurture a proactive quality culture, managing audits and ensuring rigorous HACCP/TACCP/VACCP practices, traceability, and lab QA programs.

Qualifications

• Understanding of UK/N.I. food safety legislation, DAERA and FSA protocols, and BRCGS standards.
• Fluent English with strong verbal and written communication.
• Experience in QA roles within red meat processing is beneficial but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Oversee, maintain, and improve the FSQMS and lead external audits (BRCGS, Red Tractor, Bord Bia, regulators, customers).
• Lead HACCP, TACCP and VACCP systems; ensure carcase traceability and shelf-life monitoring.
• Enforce WATOK regulations, collaborating with OV and lairage teams.
• Oversee microbiological, environmental, water and sampling programmes; drive root-cause analysis.
• Maintain a strong on-floor leadership presence from 07:00 until production finish.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Quality management

HACCP knowledge

Team leadership

Education

3rd level qualification in HACCP / Food Science / Food Manufacturing / Food Safety

Job description

Role Overview

The Technical Manager at Primestock Meats will be responsible for our Food Safety and Quality Management System (FSQMS). You will ensure 100% compliance with DAERA (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs), Food Standards Agency (FSA) regulations, and BRCGS global food safety standards. Starting daily at 07:00, you will lead a proactive quality culture on the production floor, managing regulatory relationships and driving technical compliance throughout our dedicated beef processing operations. This is a Full-time, on-site position.

Key Responsibilities

• Compliance & Auditing: Oversee, maintain, and continuously improve the site FSQMS. Lead the site through external audits, including BRCGS, Red Tractor, Bord Bia, regulatory agency inspections, and customer audits.
• Beef Quality & Integrity: Lead the site HACCP, TACCP, and VACCP systems. Ensure flawless carcase traceability, mass-balance monitoring, and food defence protocols.
• Animal Welfare: Enforce strict compliance with WATOK regulations, collaborating closely with the Official Veterinarian (OV) and lairage teams.
• Laboratory & Quality Control: Oversee microbiological, environmental, water, and shelf-life sampling programmes. Drive root-cause analysis for any out-of-specification results or customer complaints.
• Team Leadership & Presence: Maintain a strong, visible presence on the processing floor from the 07:00 start time until production concludes.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Industry Experience: Experience in a Technical / QA role (preferably within a red meat abattoir) would be beneficial but not essential.
• Qualifications: 3rd level qualification in relevant course e.g. HACCP / Food Science / Food Manufacturing / Food Safety is desirable.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Good understanding of UK / N.I food safety legislation, DAERA / FSA protocols, and BRCGS requirements.
• Desirable Attributes:
  1. Must be fluent in English with excellent verbal / communication skills.
  2. Working knowledge of HACCP, BRC, Food Safety legislation & WATOK regulations.
  3. Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
  4. Good computer skills.
  5. Good hygiene & house keeping skills.
  6. Flexibility to handle variable daily finish times to suit the needs of the business.
  7. Ability to maintain a calm & professional demeanour.

What We Offer

• Highly competitive base salary tailored to experience.
• Company pension scheme.
• The opportunity to lead and shape the technical department of an established local food business.
• Immediate start available.

Salary & Benefits

• Pay: £1.00-£2.00 per year.
• Work Location: In person.