Technical Services Manager

D R Newitt Recruitment; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

D R Newitt Recruitment is partnering with a leading food manufacturer to recruit a Technical Services Manager responsible for food safety, legality and quality across the site from concept through launch. You will lead the specifications and technical admin team and manage KPI reporting, supplier relations and continuous improvement initiatives.

The role emphasizes ownership of the technical product launch process, development of the team, and alignment with the site’s food safety culture.

Qualifications

• Experience leading technical teams in a food manufacturing setting.
• Strong knowledge of food safety systems and HACCP principles.
• Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive results.

Responsibilities

• Own the site technical KPIs and drive corrective actions via Power BI.
• Manage the end-to-end technical product launch process.
• Lead the specifications and technical admin team, including appraisals and resource planning.
• Oversee lab and pest control contracts, complaints and change management.
• Support the site-wide technical strategy and culture around food safety and quality.

Skills

Team leadership

Food safety

HACCP knowledge

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

BSc in Food Science/related

Job description

Our client is a leading food manufacturer, producing high-quality products for major retail and food service customers. Full company details are shared with shortlisted candidates.

We're looking for a Technical Services Manager to take ownership of food safety, legality and quality across the site, managing the technical product launch process from concept through to launch, and leading the site's specifications and technical admin team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage a system of technical KPIs through site Power BI reporting, highlighting shortfalls and implementing corrective action plans
• Own the technical product launch process from end to end
• Develop and manage the specification technologists and technical services agenda
• Manage laboratory and pest control contracts, and the complaints and change management processes
• Manage customer specifications, artwork generation and annual shelf life / nutritional validation programmes
• Lead, develop and support the specifications and technical admin team, including appraisals, resource planning and succession planning
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with customers, suppliers and food service providers
• Support the implementation of technical strategy and the site's food safety and quality culture plan
• Support continuous improvement plans, including complaint reduction and non-conformance reduction
• Lead strategic technical projects as required

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Food-related BSc, or equivalent food manufacturing industry experience
• Proven management experience in a food manufacturing environment
• Level 3 Food Safety and Level 3 HACCP desirable
• Excellent communication, influencing and problem-solving skills
• Able to lead and develop an effective team

WHY APPLY

• A genuine leadership role at the heart of a site's Quality and Technical function
• Broad remit spanning food safety, customer relationships, launches and team leadership
• Work with a business that supplies major retail and food service customers
• Clear scope to shape technical strategy and site culture