Technical Manager, Technical Manager

Pilgrim's Europe; Andover; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career development

Training & leadership development

Wellbeing support programmes

Discount platform

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Pilgrim's Europe in Andover is seeking an experienced Technical Manager to lead the Technical and Hygiene teams, ensuring food safety, quality and compliance across operations.

You will act as site technical lead for audits, regulatory inspections, and customer interactions, driving continuous improvement and strong team development.

This site-based leadership role offers close collaboration across departments and opportunities to shape the site’s quality culture and performance.

Qualifications

• Experience leading technical or senior quality teams in food manufacturing.
• Experience with BRCGS-accredited sites and audits.
• Strong HACCP knowledge and understanding of food safety legislation.
• Proven stakeholder management and leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop Technical and Hygiene teams, incl. hygiene operations.
• Maintain and improve site compliance with BRCGS standards and legislation.
• Act as technical lead for audits, site visits, and regulatory inspections.
• Manage HACCP programme and ongoing risk assessments.
• Oversee supplier quality, specs, and approvals.
• Coordinate internal audits, testing, and corrective actions.
• Lead investigations into non-conformances and complaints with root-cause analysis.
• Support NPD projects to ensure successful product launches.
• Drive a strong food safety and quality culture site-wide.
• Collaborate with Pilgrim's Europe Technical network to share best practices.

Skills

Technical leadership

BRCGS knowledge

HACCP knowledge

Audits management

People leadership

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Continuous improvement

Multitasking

Tools

No tools specified

Job description

About The Role

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Technical Manager to join our Andover site. As a key member of the site leadership team, you will lead the Technical and Hygiene functions, ensuring the highest standards of food safety, quality, legality, and compliance are maintained. You will be the primary technical contact for customers, auditors, and regulatory bodies, while driving continuous improvement across quality systems and site standards. This is a site-based leadership role in line with the Pilgrim's Europe way of working, requiring visible leadership and close collaboration across all departments.

Location: Andover

Department: Technical

Reporting to: Business Lead - Lamb

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Technical and Hygiene teams, including management of the site's hygiene operation.
• Maintain and continuously improve site compliance against BRCGS standards, customer requirements, and food safety legislation.
• Act as the technical lead for customer audits, site visits, and regulatory inspections.
• Manage and maintain the site's HACCP programme, ensuring risk assessments are completed and kept up to date.
• Oversee supplier quality assurance, specifications, and approval processes.
• Coordinate internal audits, testing programmes, and corrective action activities.
• Lead investigations into non-conformances, customer complaints, and food safety incidents, ensuring effective root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Support NPD projects to ensure successful product launches.
• Drive a strong food safety and quality culture throughout the site.
• Work closely with the wider Pilgrim's Europe Technical network to share best practice and expertise.

About You

We're looking for a proactive and influential technical leader with a passion for food safety, quality, and developing high-performing teams.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Previous experience in a Technical Manager or senior quality leadership role within food manufacturing.
• Proven experience leading BRCGS-accredited food manufacturing sites.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, food safety systems, and relevant legislation.
• Experience managing customer, third‑party, and regulatory audits.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and people development skills.
• Excellent organisational and stakeholder management abilities.
• Strong problem‑solving and continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Success Measures

• Maintenance of BRCGS AA accreditation*.
• Delivery of Group CPMU and site quality KPIs.
• Strong customer audit performance.
• Continuous improvement in food safety, quality, and hygiene standards.
• High levels of team engagement, capability, and compliance.

Why Join Pilgrim's Europe?

At Pilgrim's Europe, we invest in our people and provide opportunities to develop and grow within one of Europe's leading food businesses.

Our Benefits Include

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Career development opportunities within a global organisation
• Ongoing training and leadership development
• Employee benefits and discount platform
• Wellbeing support programmes
• Collaborative and supportive working environment
• Opportunity to play a key leadership role in a successful and growing business

Our Values

Availability ¦ Humility ¦ Discipline ¦ Sincerity ¦ Ownership ¦ Determination ¦ Simplicity

Apply Now

If you're an experienced Technical Manager looking for an opportunity to lead food safety, quality, and compliance within a fast‑paced food manufacturing environment, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now to join Pilgrim's Europe as Technical Manager at Andover.