Technical Manager - Food & Manfacturing

Aspire Recruitment; Ashton-under-Lyne; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A food manufacturing company is seeking a Senior Technical Manager to lead the technical function. The role involves ensuring food safety and quality across production areas, implementing robust QA systems, and driving continuous improvement. A strong background in technical management, food safety, and quality assurance is essential. The position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Holidays

Pension

Free onsite parking

Career development opportunities

Bonus scheme

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in a diverse produce or meat operation.
• Strong record of implementing and managing quality systems.
• In-depth knowledge of UK/EU legislation and audit requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the site’s technical strategy.
• Lead technical, QA, QC, and hygiene teams.
• Ensure compliance with food safety legislation.

Skills

Leadership in technical management

QA/QC experience in food manufacturing

Knowledge of food safety controls

Expertise in lean manufacturing

Strong communication skills

Education

Recognised qualifications in Microbiology, Food Science, HACCP

Job description

Overview

Senior Technical Manager – Produce
Location: Greater Manchester
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £45,000 – £50,000 per annum
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00am – 4:00pm (flexible within business operating hours of 5:00am – 6:00pm)
Reports to: Director

We are a BRC Approved and AA* standard, fast-growing food manufacturing and meat wholesaling business seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Technical Manager to lead our technical function. This pivotal role ensures the highest standards of food safety, quality, and integrity across our high-risk and low-risk production areas, serving both own-brand and third-party customers.

Your Mission

• Develop and execute the site’s technical strategy, aligning with commercial and operational goals.
• Lead Technical, QA, QC, and Hygiene teams to deliver vertically integrated products across produce and meat categories.
• Champion quality culture and drive continuous improvement across the site.
• Oversee and enhance quality assurance and quality control systems to ensure consistent compliance with food safety, legality, and customer specifications.
• Implement robust QA/QC procedures to monitor product integrity, traceability, and performance.
• Ensure full compliance with UK/EU food legislation, industry standards, and customer codes of practice.
• Lead internal and external audit processes, including BRCGS, customer audits, and regulatory inspections.
• Apply lean manufacturing principles to streamline processes, reduce waste, and improve operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to fine-tune profitability through cost control, quality improvement, and process innovation.
• Safeguard product safety, legality, and quality—protecting our customers and our brand.

What We’re Really Looking For

This is a hands-on role that requires initiative and drive. We’re not looking for someone to sit behind a desk—we need a leader who will actively shape and evolve the role, making it essential to our business. You’ll be empowered to introduce new traceable metrics and KPIs that directly improve company performance and product quality. If you’re passionate about making a tangible impact and thrive in a dynamic environment, we want to hear from you.

What You’ll Bring

• Proven leadership in technical management within a diverse produce or meat operation
• Strong QA/QC experience in food manufacturing, with a track record of implementing and managing effective quality systems
• In-depth knowledge of food safety controls, UK/EU legislation, audit requirements, and Health & Safety regulations
• Experience managing BRCGS certification and leading successful audit outcomes
• Expertise in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies
• Commercial awareness and ability to drive profitability through technical and operational excellence
• Experience collaborating across At Source, site technical, procurement, and operations teams
• Strong change management and performance improvement capabilities
• Recognised qualifications in Microbiology, Food Science/Technology, HACCP, Lead Auditing, and Health & Safety (e.g., NEBOSH or equivalent)
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Key Relationships

You’ll work closely with: Suppliers, Retail, Procurement, Commercial, and Operations teams. Regulatory bodies, industry specialists, and service providers.

What You’ll Get

• Holidays
• Pension
• Free onsite parking
• Mobile provided
• Career development Progression opportunities
• Bonus scheme / Car allowance can be incorporated as a package
• Staff events/social

To apply, send your CV to [e-mail] or call Helen on 0161 237 4230.

This vacancy is being handled by Aspire Recruitment. Due to high application volumes, we will only contact you within 14 days if selected for interview. By applying, you agree to our Privacy Policy and consent to Aspire Recruitment keeping you informed about future opportunities.