Technical Manager (FTC)

Zest; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 56,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Zest in the South West England is seeking an experienced Technical Manager to lead all technical and quality activities across the site. This hands-on role covers food safety, quality systems, customer compliance, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

You will drive audits, manage the QMS, oversee supplier approvals, and lead the technical team to ensure product specifications, labelling, and export compliance are met, while shaping a strong quality culture.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Technical Manager or Senior Technical leadership role in food manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP, retailer standards, and food safety legislation.
• Experience leading audits and managing customer relationships.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Able to influence quality culture across a manufacturing site.

Responsibilities

• Lead the site's food safety, quality, and compliance agenda.
• Ensure compliance with BRCGS and customer standards.
• Chair and manage the HACCP team.
• Oversee supplier approval and raw material assessment processes.
• Drive food safety, quality, and hygiene standards across the business.
• Lead customer, regulatory, and third‑party audits.
• Manage the Quality Management System (QMS) and document control.
• Manage and develop the site's technical team.
• Ensure product specifications, labelling, and export compliance requirements are maintained.

Skills

Food safety leadership

Quality management

HACCP knowledge

BRCGS compliance

Audits & customer relations

Team leadership

Job description

Technical Manager (12-Month FTC)

South West England

£56,000 - £64,000

12-Month Fixed-Term Contract

A well-established and growing food manufacturing business in the South West is seeking an experienced Technical Manager to lead all technical and quality activities across the site. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands‑on technical professional to take ownership of food safety, quality systems, customer compliance, and continuous improvement within a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the site's food safety, quality, and compliance agenda
• Ensure compliance with BRCGS and customer standards
• Chair and manage the HACCP team
• Oversee supplier approval and raw material assessment processes
• Drive food safety, quality, and hygiene standards across the business
• Lead customer, regulatory, and third‑party audits
• Manage the Quality Management System (QMS) and document control
• Manage and develop the site's technical team
• Ensure product specifications, labelling, and export compliance requirements are maintained

About You

• Proven experience within a Technical Manager or Senior Technical leadership role in food manufacturing
• Strong knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP, retailer standards, and food safety legislation
• Experience leading audits and managing customer relationships
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Able to influence quality culture across a manufacturing site

What's on Offer?

• £56,000 - £64,000 salary
• 12‑month fixed-term contract
• Opportunity to lead the technical function for a respected food manufacturing business
• Supportive, collaborative leadership team
• Fast‑paced environment with a strong focus on quality and continuous improvement