Technical Manager (Beverages Specialist)

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

Job summary

A leading beverage company in the UK is seeking a Technical Manager to ensure product safety and quality in its ready-to-drink beverage portfolio. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the beverage sector and strong technical knowledge in thermal processing. This hands-on role involves collaboration with suppliers, conducting audits, and supporting new product development. A proactive individual looking to take ownership and make an impact will thrive in this position.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in the beverages/drinks sector is essential.
• Expertise in auditing and risk assessment.
• Ability to adapt quickly in a fast-moving environment.

Responsibilities

• Act as the lead technical contact for beverage products.
• Support suppliers to improve performance against KPIs.
• Conduct supplier audits and product risk assessments.

Skills

Technical knowledge of thermal processing

Communication and influencing skills

Problem-solving skills

Supplier relationship management

Education

Background in food science or food technology

Job description

Overview

Are you ready to step up from a Technologist role and take on more responsibility in a senior technical position? This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate food and drink professional to join a fast-paced, innovative business and play a key role in ensuring the safety, quality, and compliance of our ready-to-drink (RTD) products.

The Role: As the Technical Manager, you will be the technical point of contact for our beverages portfolio, ensuring products meet the highest standards of safety, legality, and quality. You\'ll work closely with co-manufacturers and suppliers, using your knowledge of beverage processing to maintain standards, solve issues quickly, and support new product development. This is a hands-on, individual contributor role - perfect for someone looking to take the next step in their career and build on their technical expertise.

Responsibilities

• Act as the lead technical contact for beverage products, driving safety, quality, and compliance.
• Support and influence suppliers to continuously improve performance against KPIs.
• Apply strong knowledge of thermal processing and aseptic manufacturing to challenge and support co-manufacturers.
• Carry out supplier audits, product risk assessments, and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Provide technical input into NPD projects, identifying potential risks early in development.
• Attend factory trials and first productions to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver wider business objectives.

What you need

• Proven experience in the beverages/drinks sector (essential).
• Strong technical knowledge of thermal processing and aseptic manufacturing.
• A background in food science, food technology, or a related discipline.
• Auditing and risk assessment expertise.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build strong supplier relationships.
• A proactive problem solver, able to adapt quickly and prioritise in a fast-moving environment.

Why this role

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to step up into a more senior role, take ownership, and make a real impact on the quality, food safety and innovation of a growing beverage category.

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