Technical Service Manager (Maternity Cover)

Deli-Lites-Ireland-Limited; Newry; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

Cycle to Work Scheme

Discounted products

Job summary

DELI LITES IRELAND seeks a Technical Service Manager (Maternity Cover) to lead the day-to-day Technical, Quality and Compliance functions at Warrenpoint. You will oversee Hygiene, Supplier Approval and Compliance, directing a multidisciplinary team to meet food safety and customer requirements.

You will drive continuous improvement, manage audits (BRCGS/retailers) and supplier relationships, and ensure safe introduction of new products and processes while supporting production and customers.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a Technical, Quality or Compliance management role within food manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, quality, legal and customer requirements.
• Experience managing Technical, Quality, Hygiene or Compliance teams.
• Experience with BRCGS and retailer audits.
• Experience of HACCP and food safety management.
• Strong planning and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage issues, incidents and competing priorities effectively.
• IT literate with good working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day technical function, including Quality, Hygiene, Training, Supplier Approval and Compliance activities.
• Manage Retailer and BRCGS audits and ensure food-specific legal, regulatory and customer requirements are maintained.
• Maintain effective supplier management and approval processes, including service suppliers where required.
• Horizon scan and remain up to date with food safety, legal and compliance requirements and ensure relevant changes are addressed.
• Facilitate Technical management of ingredient approval, food production and distribution to ensure requirements are met.
• Lead and support the HACCP team and ensure appropriate food safety controls are maintained.
• Lead and manage the Technical team, supporting engagement, performance, teamwork and effective problem solving.
• Facilitate continuous improvement and identify and implement best practice across the Technical function and site.
• Manage the resolution and close-out of escalated Technical issues and incidents.
• Ensure new products and processes are introduced safely, legally, in compliance with customer requirements and within agreed timescales.
• Develop and maintain positive, proactive relationships with key retail and export customers.
• Chair Technical meetings and set, monitor and report relevant KPIs and objectives.
• Work closely with Production to achieve high standards of food safety, quality and operational efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Planning

Organisational skills

Communication

Problem solving

Stakeholder management

IT literate

Education

Business degree or technical qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Technical Service Manager (Maternity Cover), Unit 1 Milltown Industrial Estate, Greenan Rd, Warrenpoint

Employment Type

Fixed Term

Application Start Date

02-10-2026

Application End Date

31-10-2026

Location

Unit 1 Milltown Industrial Estate, Greenan Rd, Warrenpoint

State/County

Co.Down

BT34 3FN

Country

United Kingdom

Work Style

On-site

Description

As Technical Service Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Technical & Quality functions, including Hygiene, Supplier Approval and Compliance. You will lead a multidisciplinary Technical team and work closely with Department Heads, Production and customers to ensure food safety, quality, legality and customer requirements are consistently maintained. You will support a proactive culture of compliance, problem solving and continuous improvement across the Technical function and site.

You will reflect the quality, legality and authenticity of DELI LITES in everything you do, contributing to the passion we have for our people and food.

Your Duties:

• Manage the day-to-day technical function, including Quality, Hygiene, Training, Supplier Approval and Compliance activities.
• Manage Retailer and BRCGS audits and ensure food-specific legal, regulatory and customer requirements are maintained.
• Maintain effective supplier management and approval processes, including service suppliers where required.
• Horizon scan and remain up to date with food safety, legal and compliance requirements and ensure relevant changes are addressed.
• Facilitate Technical management of ingredient approval, food production and distribution to ensure requirements are met.
• Lead and support the HACCP team and ensure appropriate food safety controls are maintained.
• Lead and manage the Technical team, supporting engagement, performance, teamwork and effective problem solving.
• Facilitate continuous improvement and identify and implement best practice across the Technical function and site.
• Manage the resolution and close-out of escalated Technical issues and incidents.
• Ensure new products and processes are introduced safely, legally, in compliance with customer requirements and within agreed timescales.
• Develop and maintain positive, proactive relationships with key retail and export customers.
• Chair Technical meetings and set, monitor and report relevant KPIs and objectives.
• Work closely with Production to achieve high standards of food safety, quality and operational efficiency.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities. The Company reserves the right to amend this document to meet changing business needs.

• Previous experience in a Technical, Quality or Compliance management role within food manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, quality, legal and customer requirements.
• Experience managing Technical, Quality, Hygiene or Compliance teams.
• Experience with BRCGS and retailer audits.
• Experience of HACCP and food safety management.
• Strong planning and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage issues, incidents and competing priorities effectively.
• IT literate with good working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Desired Criteria:

• Business-related degree or relevant technical qualification.
• Previous experience working with major retailers and export customers.
• Experience of supplier approval and supplier management.
• Experience managing a multidisciplinary Technical function.
• Experience within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong Technical, Quality and Compliance knowledge.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Strong leadership and people management.
• Good problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Ability to manage audits and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to identify and implement continuous improvements.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively with Production and other departments.
• Highly motivated and proactive approach.

What We Offer:

• 30 days annual leave, including public and statutory holidays
• Additional annual leave entitlement:
• 1 extra day after 5 years’ service
• A further 1 additional day for each subsequent year of service
• Capped at 33 days total annual leave
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Discounted, award-winning company products including sandwiches, salads, wraps, and traybakes
• Free on-site parking
• EAP and Well-Being

At DELI LITES IRELAND, we are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do and welcome applications from all sections of the community. DELI LITES IRELAND is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.