Technical & Quality Lead, Fresh Produce

D R Newitt & Associates; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

D R Newitt & Associates is seeking an experienced Technical Manager for a growing fresh produce operation in the UK. The role leads the technical and quality function at a new site, establishing robust QMS, food safety processes and supplier/audit controls.

You will work closely with senior management, production, suppliers and customers to ensure compliance with legal, BRC and customer requirements, while building a strong quality culture and scalable processes for expansion.

Qualifications

• Experience in a Technical, Quality Assurance or Quality Management role within food manufacturing or fresh produce.
• Strong understanding of food safety legislation and customer requirements.
• HACCP Level 3 or equivalent qualification is required.
• Ability to lead, motivate and develop teams across a site.
• Proficient in QA systems, audits and technical compliance.
• Experience supporting site development or production expansion is advantageous.
• Excellent IT skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and data analysis ability.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the site's technical and quality function, maintaining the QMS.
• Develop and implement food safety, quality and product integrity systems to meet standards.
• Conduct gap analyses against standards and drive improvements.
• Lead internal, external and customer audits, host auditors and present documentation.
• Manage supplier and contractor approvals, ensuring due diligence and records are up to date.
• Build strong relationships with customer technical teams as the main contact for queries.
• Oversee food safety systems, product specs, document control and records.
• Manage microbiological and pesticide testing schedules and investigate issues.
• Monitor customer service levels, complaints and product rejections; drive CAPAs.
• Support expansion of production lines with appropriate technical controls and standards.
• Collaborate with operations to foster a strong food safety and quality culture.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety

Quality management

Auditing

Problem solving

Communication

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Education

Food safety qualification (HACCP Level 3)

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

D R Newitt & Associates is seeking an experienced Technical Manager for a growing fresh produce operation in the UK. The role leads the technical and quality function at a new site, establishing robust QMS, food safety processes and supplier/audit controls.

You will work closely with senior management, production, suppliers and customers to ensure compliance with legal, BRC and customer requirements, while building a strong quality culture and scalable processes for expansion.