Technical Manager (FTC)

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Technical Manager to lead the technical and quality agenda within our non-retail food manufacturing operations. This role is critical in ensuring our products consistently meet regulatory requirements, customer specifications, and the highest standards of food safety and quality. The successful candidate will oversee quality systems, drive continuous improvement, and support the site through audits, customer visits, and new product or process developments.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Compliance

• Oversee and develop the site’s Food Safety and Quality Management System to ensure full compliance with legal, regulatory, and industry standards (e.g., HACCP, BRCGS, ISO).
• Maintain up-to-date documentation, process controls, and technical policies.
• Ensure all site activities meet customer-specific technical and quality requirements.

Quality Assurance & Food Safety

• Lead the QA team, providing coaching, direction, and day-to-day support.
• Champion a strong food safety culture across the site.
• Manage internal auditing schedules, review non-conformances, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Conduct or support root-cause investigations for quality or food safety issues.

Supplier, Customer & Audit Management

• Host and lead customer technical visits, audits, and site reviews.
• Liaise with external auditors and certification bodies; maintain accreditation standards.
• Manage supplier approval, raw material specifications, and compliance assessments.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and lead quality improvement projects to reduce complaints, waste, and risk.
• Support cross-functional teams (Operations, NPD, Engineering, Procurement) in delivering technical solutions and improvements.
• Implement changes based on data analysis, customer feedback, and audit results.

Technical Support & Documentation

• Maintain product specifications, process validations, and technical documentation.
• Provide technical input for process changes, new equipment commissioning, and trials.
• Support the NPD team with technical validations, trials, and product launch compliance.

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven technical or quality leadership experience within food manufacturing (non-retail, B2B, ingredients, or foodservice supply preferred).
• Strong knowledge of food safety legislation, HACCP, and industry standards.
• Experience with third-party audits and customer technical visits.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and develop a technical/QA team.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach.
• Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related discipline (preferred).

Key Competencies

• Food Safety & Quality Compliance
• Leadership & People Management
• Continuous Improvement Mindset
• Attention to Detail
• Stakeholder & Customer Engagement
• Risk Assessment & Problem Solving

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• 12-month fixed-term contract with potential for extension
• Opportunity to lead technical development within a dynamic manufacturing environment
• Collaborative, supportive workplace culture