Technical Services Manager

The People Co. / Assure Jobs; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK food manufacturer is looking for an experienced Technical Services Manager to enhance their technical leadership team. This critical role involves managing quality and compliance activities, leading audits, and ensuring food safety standards are met. Candidates should possess HACCP Level 3, a strong grasp of Quality Management Systems, and proven experience in audit management. The role also entails coaching teams and continuous improvement, making it perfect for a proactive quality and compliance professional eager to make an impact.

Qualifications

• Level 3 HACCP certification is essential for this role.
• Must have Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene accreditation.
• Experience managing audits and supplier quality assurance is critical.

Responsibilities

• Lead BRC, customer, and third-party audits effectively.
• Manage and improve the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Oversee the site Technical KPIs and trend analysis.

Skills

HACCP Level 3

Food Safety & Hygiene Level 3

Quality Management Systems knowledge

Audit management

Attention to detail

Cross-functional communication

English proficiency

Job description

The Company

A leading UK chilled prepared foods manufacturer operating across multiple sites and supplying both retail and foodservice channels. Known for its diverse product portfolio, the business combines strong category expertise with high food safety, quality and innovation standards. Its people-centric culture focuses on collaboration, continuous improvement and delivering great food that customers love.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Technical Services Manager to join the Technical leadership team. This is a pivotal role, deputising for senior technical leadership, leading quality and compliance activities on site, and ensuring that food safety, regulatory and customer standards are met and exceeded. You will be responsible for owning the site Quality Management System and playing a central role in audits, compliance, team leadership and continuous improvement.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead and coordinate BRC, customer and third-party audits, including preparation and follow-up actions
• Maintain continuously improve the Quality Management System (QMS), including risk assessments, validations and procedural ownership
• Manage site Technical KPIs and trending, reporting performance and insights
• Collaborate with Group Compliance on supplier assurance and maintain the Approved Supplier List
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, allergen control, traceability and HACCP requirements
• Drive corrective actions for non-conformances, including supplier complaints and out-of-spec results
• Train and coach technical and hygiene teams in procedures and standards
• Support mass balance, traceability exercises and microbiological performance monitoring
• Liaise with Process Development and Operations to support new product introductions
• Manage, develop and lead direct reports within non-factory technical functions
• Participate in customer visits and lead closure of customer non-conformances
• Provide support to Operations and other site functions to maintain compliance with certification and customer expectations
• Uphold health, safety and environmental responsibilities in line with company policy

Person Profile

Essential:

• Level 3 HACCP
• Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene
• Strong understanding of Quality Management Systems including BRC Global Standards
• Experience managing audits and supplier quality assurance
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
• Strong communicator with ability to influence cross-functionally
• Good written and verbal English and solid numeracy skills
• Ability to coach and support teams when non-conformance is identified

Desirable:

• Experience in food manufacturing / FMCG
• HACCP Level 4
• VACCP / TACCP training

This is a hands-on leadership role for a technically strong quality and compliance professional looking to make a meaningful impact in a busy site environment with clear accountability and room to influence standards and practices.

REF: PR/013223