Technical Manager, Technical Manager

Pilgrim's Europe; Hyde; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Pilgrim’s Europe is seeking an experienced Technical Manager for its Hyde site to steer food safety, quality, and technical compliance. You’ll lead the technical strategy, manage customer relationships, and collaborate across functions to drive operational excellence and growth.

As a senior leader, you’ll ensure audit readiness, maintain industry standards, and coach the Technical Team, fostering data‑driven improvement and succession planning across the site.

Qualifications

• Senior Technical or Quality leadership in FMCG.
• Strong knowledge of Food Safety and HACCP/TACCP/VACCP.
• Experience leading customer audits and inspections.
• Proven ability to develop and manage teams.
• Data-driven decisions and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the site's technical strategy.
• Maintain responsibility for food safety, quality, hygiene, pest control, and product integrity.
• Ensure HACCP, TACCP, VACCP, traceability, and mass balance systems are in place.
• Drive continuous improvement via audits, gap analysis, and corrective action plans.
• Develop and deliver the site's Quality Improvement Plan.
• Lead customer visits, audits, and technical reviews.
• Build strong relationships with customers and ensure timely communication.
• Ensure compliance with Codes of Practice and legislation.
• Manage budgets and drive cost control.
• Lead the hygiene function and support environmental compliance.

Skills

Food Safety

HACCP/TACCP/VACCP

Quality Mgmt Systems

Auditing & Inspections

Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Data-driven decisions

Education

Degree in Food Science or equivalent

Level 4 Food Safety

Level 4 HACCP

Advanced Microbiology

Internal Auditing Qualification

IPPC knowledge (Desirable)

Environmental Management Systems (Desirable)

Continuous Improvement methodologies (Desirable)

Ethical Trading (SEDEX) (Desirable)

Job description

Technical Manager

Location: Hyde

Department: Technical

Reports to: Site Director

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Technical Manager to join our Hyde site and play a key role within the senior leadership team. This position is responsible for leading all aspects of Food Safety, Quality, Integrity, Hygiene, and Compliance across the site, ensuring the highest standards are maintained and continuously improved. You’ll drive the site's technical strategy, lead customer relationships, and work collaboratively across functions to deliver operational excellence and support business growth. As the technical lead for the site, you’ll ensure the business remains audit‑ready, customer‑focused, and committed to continuous improvement.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead and develop the site's technical strategy in line with business objectives.
• Maintain responsibility for food safety, quality, hygiene, pest control, and product integrity.
• Ensure effective implementation and maintenance of HACCP, TACCP, VACCP, traceability, and mass balance systems.
• Drive continuous improvement through internal audits, gap analysis, and corrective action plans.
• Develop and deliver the site's Quality Improvement Plan.
• Lead customer visits, audits, and technical reviews.
• Build strong relationships with customers, ensuring regular communication and proactive issue resolution.
• Ensure customer requirements, Codes of Practice, and legislative standards are fully understood and implemented.
• Manage customer portals and technical reporting requirements within agreed deadlines.
• Drive audit performance and ensure non‑conformances are closed within agreed timescales.
• Lead, coach, and develop the Technical Team, creating a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Ensure succession plans are in place and team capability is continuously developed.
• Work closely with the site Training Team to maintain compliance and support skills development.
• Encourage data‑driven decision‑making and the use of trends to identify improvement opportunities.
• Stay informed of legislative, customer, and industry developments, implementing changes where required.
• Review industry and regulatory data to identify risks and opportunities.
• Ensure all specifications are maintained accurately and completed on time.
• Manage departmental budgets and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and control costs.
• Lead the hygiene function, ensuring robust standards and records are maintained.
• Support environmental compliance and continuous improvement initiatives across the site.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in a senior Technical or Quality leadership role within Food Manufacturing or FMCG
• Strong knowledge of Food Safety, HACCP, TACCP, VACCP, and Quality Management Systems
• Experience leading customer audits, external inspections, and technical visits
• Strong understanding of food manufacturing legislation and customer standards
• Experience managing and developing teams
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Data‑driven approach with strong problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities
• Ability to build effective relationships across functions and with customers

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in Food Science or equivalent
• Level 4 Food Safety
• Level 4 HACCP
• Advanced Microbiology
• Internal Auditing Qualification

Desirable

• Knowledge of IPPC and Environmental Management Systems
• Experience with Continuous Improvement methodologies
• Awareness of Ethical Trading requirements and SEDEX

Working at Pilgrim’s Europe

As part of Pilgrim’s Europe, you’ll join one of Europe’s leading food businesses, supplying quality products to major retailers and customers across the UK and beyond. This is a site‑based leadership role where visibility, collaboration, and relationship‑building are critical to success.

Eligibility

Please note: Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in the UK at the time of application.

Why Join Us?

• Join a senior leadership team where you can directly influence site performance and culture.
• Lead Food Safety and Quality standards within a large, dynamic manufacturing operation.
• Play a key role in customer relationships, audits, and business improvement initiatives.
• Work for one of Europe’s leading food manufacturers with a strong commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
• Lead and develop a talented technical team while driving meaningful change across the site.
• Be part of a business that invests in people, supports career development, and values innovation and collaboration.
• Make a genuine impact on food safety, product quality, and customer satisfaction.

Our Values

Our values are at the heart of everything we do:

• Ownership - Taking responsibility and delivering results.
• Determination - Driving improvement and overcoming challenges.
• Simplicity - Focusing on practical solutions that add value.
• Humility - Listening, learning, and respecting others.
• Sincerity - Acting with honesty, integrity, and transparency.

Ready to Lead Quality Excellence?