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Established in 1997 as the first manufacturer of sushi for the UK supermarket industry, Taiko has evolved into the most innovative manufacturer of Sushi, Food To Go, Prepared Meals, and Snacking products in the UK, supplying Waitrose, Tesco, and Sainsbury's, to name a few. Over the past 25 years, Taiko has launched more first-to-market Sushi and Food to Go products than any other sushi manufacturer in the UK.
We are seeking a Senior Technical Manager to be the key technical interface for customers, internal teams, and suppliers. You will ensure the highest standards of food safety, quality, and legal compliance. Reporting directly to the Head of Technical, you will lead the technical team, drive continuous improvement, and provide strategic direction to enhance technical operations and compliance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership: Provide senior-level technical expertise, advising the business on food safety, compliance, and quality standards to align with company objectives and industry best practices.
- Technical Governance: Oversee all aspects of food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance, ensuring full adherence to legal, corporate, and BRCGS accreditation requirements.
- Supplier & Customer Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and customers, providing technical leadership and ensuring all products meet agreed standards.
- Quality Management System (QMS): Ensure the QMS is effectively managed, regularly reviewed, and continuously improved to drive operational excellence.
- Audit & Compliance Management: Lead customer and third-party audits, ensuring the business consistently meets certification and compliance standards.
- HACCP & Risk Management: Lead the HACCP team, ensuring effective risk assessments, reviews, and implementation of corrective and preventative actions.
- Supplier Assurance & Compliance: Oversee supplier audits and approvals, ensuring a robust supplier management system to maintain product integrity and quality.
- Technical Team Leadership: Manage and develop the technical team, providing coaching, training, and succession planning to build capability and expertise.
Key Requirements:
- Extensive experience in a senior technical or quality management role within the food manufacturing industry.
- Strong knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP, food safety legislation, and retailer technical requirements.
- Proven experience in leading audits, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
- Exceptional leadership skills with experience in developing and managing high-performing technical teams.
We're proud to offer:
- Opportunity to grow your career with us, including an available apprenticeship program.
- Brilliant support services designed to enhance your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
- Annual discretionary bonus based on business and overall performance.
- Discretionary Life Assurance, Income Protection, Group Personal Pension, and Private Medical Cash Plan.
- Bespoke reward platform offering retail, cinema, and gym discounts.
- 50% off your food every time you dine with us for you and 3 friends.
- Contribute to our award-winning sustainability initiatives, supporting progress against 9 UN sustainability goals. We are committed to responsibly sourcing seafood and using recyclable packaging, with 80% already made from recycled plastic.
- Annual Awards ceremony celebrating our success, with winners receiving free trips to Japan.
About us:
Come roll with us and be part of something big. Celebrate our global success across:
- Over 1500 retail kiosks worldwide (YO!, Panku, Mai Taiko Snowfox & Bento)
- Our Taiko manufacturing and distribution centre
- 63 YO! restaurants
- 50 major retail partners
- 3700 locations globally, from Hawaii to Aberdeen
Our Values
- Own it, Care About it, Make it Exceptional, Win Together
Ready to Roll?
Join us and play a key role in bringing people together to celebrate better food the Japanese way...