Technical Services Manager

The Compleat Food Group; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading chilled food manufacturer in Milton Keynes is seeking a Technical Services Manager to oversee the Quality Management System ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. The role demands leadership in audits, consistent monitoring of KPIs, along with strong interaction with customers and auditors. Essential qualifications include HACCP Level 3 and experience in food safety and quality assurance. This position offers a salary of £41,000 per annum with financial and well-being benefits.

Benefits

Salary Sacrifice Schemes

33 days annual leave

Access to retail discounts

Free product handouts

Gym discounts

Paid volunteering days

Qualifications

• Level 3 HACCP certification is essential.
• Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene is required.
• Experience in auditing and quality management is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Manage the site Quality Management System (QMS).
• Lead and coordinate audits including BRC standards.
• Oversee site KPIs and ensure compliance with health and safety standards.
• Develop and implement training for technical teams.

Skills

Level 3 HACCP

Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene

Strong understanding of BRC standards and QMS

Experience leading audits and managing non-conformances

Knowledge of retailer portals

Strong written and verbal communication skills

High attention to detail

Ability to coach teams

Job description

Overview

Job Advert

Technical Services Manager
Milton Keynes
£41,000 per annum
Full-time | Site-based

About The Compleat Food Group

The Compleat Food Group is one of the UK’s leading chilled food manufacturers, home to a diverse portfolio of much-loved brands and own-label products supplied to the major UK retailers and foodservice customers.

With food safety, quality and compliance at the heart of everything we do, we’re now looking to appoint a Technical Services Manager to support our Milton Keynes site and help drive high standards across the operation.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Technical, the Technical Services Manager will play a critical role in managing the site Quality Management System (QMS), coordinating internal and external audits (including unannounced audits), leading site KPIs and deputising for the Site Head of Technical and Factory Technical Manager when required.

This is a hands-on, influential role with strong exposure to customers, auditors and cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical, Food Safety & Quality
• Own, maintain and continuously improve the site Quality Management System (QMS)
• Lead BRC, customer and third-party audits, including unannounced audits
• Actively monitor systems to maintain Grade A+/AA+ BRC status
• Manage and trend site KPIs in collaboration with the Technical Team
• Lead internal audits and manage non-conformances, including supplier issues
• Support traceability and mass balance exercises
• Monitor and analyse microbiological and shelf-life performance data
• Liaise with Group Compliance on supplier approval and the Approved Supplier List
• Support new product introductions by preparing procedures, standards and documentation
• Act as a key technical contact for customer visits and audits
• Leadership & People Management
• Line manage the Food Safety Technologist and Intake Coordinator
• Manage workload, performance and development of direct reports
• Deliver training across Technical and Hygiene teams
• Chair and manage complex disciplinary and grievance cases
• Drive engagement, communication and continuous improvement within the team
• Health, Safety & Environment
• Ensure compliance with all Health, Safety & Environmental requirements
• Lead risk assessments, COSHH and safe systems of work
• Ensure contractor and visitor safety within your area
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping and equipment compliance
• Stop any process operating outside legal or safety requirements

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Essential

• Level 3 HACCP
• Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene
• Strong understanding of BRC standards and QMS
• Experience leading audits and managing non-conformances
• Knowledge of retailer portals
• High attention to detail with a structured, methodical approach
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to coach and influence teams on food safety and quality standards

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

Why Join Us?

At The Compleat Food Group, we believe our people are the heart of our success. That’s why we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your lifestyle, wellbeing, and career growth:

Financial & Lifestyle Benefits

• Salary Sacrifice Schemes - including Electric Vehicles, Home & Tech, Cycle to Work, and SMART Pension
• 33 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays) with the option to purchase extra
• Holiday Discounts Available via our online retail discount platform
• Access to enhanced retail discounts online and in-store
• Free product handouts across our sites, so you can sample and enjoy our delicious products first hand
• EV charging points - available at selected sites

Health & Wellbeing

• 24/7 access to GroceryAid for free financial, emotional, and practical support
• Physical Wellbeing Hub - free on-demand exercise programmes, online classes and multiple gym discounts
• Free diet & nutrition advice with access to thousands of meal plans and healthy recipes
• Online wellbeing support - from mindfulness to lifestyle resources
• Financial wellbeing tools - including mortgage calculators, budgeting tools, and financial aid

Career Growth & Development

• Access to a personalised online learning platform (LMS)
• Formal and informal training opportunities tailored to your role
• Performance Development Plans and regular Career Conversations
• Industry leading company Mentoring Scheme to add depth and really support your career journey
• Recognition through Club Compleat rewards portal

Community & Culture

• 2 paid volunteering days per year to give back to causes that matter to you
• Charity initiatives and fundraising events
• Team socials to connect and celebrate together
• Employee networks & support groups - including Women @ Compleat
• New baby gift for new parents