Technical Officer

Theo James Recruitment; Seaham; On-site; GBP 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable food manufacturer in Seaham is seeking a Technical Officer to uphold quality and food safety standards. You will work within a supportive team, ensuring compliance with regulations and improving technical policies. This role offers competitive salary, ongoing development, and career progression in a stable environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary and annual reviews

Training & development opportunities

Supportive leadership team

Career progression prospects

Secure and long-term employment

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science/Technology or relevant industry experience required.
• Experience in QA/Technical function in food relevant.
• Strong understanding of QMS and food safety standards necessary.

Responsibilities

• Support Technical Manager in maintaining Quality Management System.
• Implement and maintain customer codes of practice and technical standards.
• Create and update internal/external specifications and technical documents.
• Manage supplier documentation and coordinate chemical testing.
• Lead organoleptic testing and trend analysis.
• Assist in internal and supplier audits and HACCP activities.

Skills

Food Science/Technology knowledge

Quality Assurance/Technical experience in food sector

Understanding of QMS and food safety

Level 3 Food Hygiene

Level 3 HACCP

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Microsoft Office skills

Education

Food Science/Technology degree or relevant experience

Job description

Job Title: Technical Officer
Location: Sunderland, UK
Salary: £34,000 D.O.E
Benefits: Competitive package, development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time, permanent

The Company:

This is an excellent opportunity to join a respected and well-established food manufacturer committed to quality, innovation and high technical standards. The business offers stability, ongoing investment in its technical function and a supportive environment where a Technical Officer can develop and progress. You'll be joining a company that values teamwork, continuous improvement and professional growth.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and annual reviews
• Training & development (HACCP, auditing, food safety qualifications)
• Supportive leadership team
• Career progression within a growing technical department
• Secure and long-term employment

Job Description:

As a Technical Officer, you will support the Technical Manager in maintaining and improving the site's Quality Management System and Food Safety Systems. The role focuses on ensuring that all products are safe, legal and manufactured to the highest standard. You will work across specifications, supplier management, internal compliance and customer requirements, playing a key role in day-to-day technical operations.

Key responsibilities include:

• Ensuring customer codes of practice and technical standards are fully implemented and maintained.
• Creating and updating internal and external specifications, QAS documents, technical policies and product labels.
• Approving raw materials, completing risk assessments and managing supplier documentation.
• Coordinating routine micro and chemical testing for raw materials and finished goods.
• Leading organoleptic testing and benchmarking activities.
• Investigating customer complaints and producing trend analysis and KPI reports.
• Maintaining equipment calibration used for product quality and safety checks.
• Supporting internal audits, supplier audits, HACCP and TACCP activities.

You will work closely with teams across Production, NPD, Procurement, Engineering, Hygiene and Warehousing, as well as maintaining strong communication with suppliers and customers.

Skills & Experience:

• A Food Science/Technology degree or relevant food industry experience.
• Experience within a QA/Technical function in the food sector.
• Strong understanding of QMS, food safety and auditing standards.
• Level 3 Food Hygiene and Level 3 HACCP (or willingness to obtain).
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills and confidence working across both office and factory environments.

This Technical Officer role suits someone who enjoys variety, can prioritise changing tasks and thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Why Should You Apply?

• You’ll join an established manufacturer with strong technical values and leadership.
• You’ll have genuine responsibility and influence as a key Technical Officer in the business.
• The company offers continuous development, training and career progression.
• You’ll benefit from a supportive culture that encourages initiative and improvement.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your technical career, apply now to become the next Technical Officer in this high-performing team.