Technical Manager (FMCG)

This position is accountable for maintaining world-class food safety, quality and compliance standards while driving continuous improvement initiatives and developing a high-performing quality function.

Client Details

Our client is a leading UK food manufacturer operating multiple production sites and supplying a diverse range of chilled food products to major retailers and foodservice customers nationwide. Producing millions of products each week, the business has built a strong reputation for quality, innovation and operational excellence, supported by significant ongoing investment in its people, facilities and processes.

The Erith operation is a large-scale manufacturing facility supplying some of the UK''s best-known retail brands. The site plays a key role within the wider group and offers an exciting environment for ambitious food industry professionals.

Description

Reporting to the Head of Technical, the Technical Manager will be responsible for leading all technical and quality assurance activities across the manufacturing site. This position is accountable for maintaining world-class food safety, quality and compliance standards while driving continuous improvement initiatives and developing a high-performing quality function.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and developing the site''s Food Safety Management System and HACCP programme.
• Acting as HACCP Team Leader and ensuring compliance with all relevant food safety, quality and legal requirements.
• Managing customer relationships on technical matters and representing the business at customer KPI meetings.
• Leading preparation for customer, retailer and third-party audits, acting as the primary audit contact.
• Ensuring compliance with BRC standards and retailer codes of practice.
• Overseeing quality assurance and validation teams, setting objectives and performance measures.
• Investigating food safety incidents, complaints and microbiological issues, implementing effective corrective actions.
• Working closely with Production, NPD and Process Development teams to ensure products meet customer and regulatory requirements.
• Supporting continuous improvement programmes and the ongoing development of site systems and processes.
• Driving a proactive food safety culture across all areas of the operation.

Profile

A successful Technical Manager should have:

• Experience in a technical role within the FMCG industry.
• Minimum of HACCP level 3
• A strong understanding of food safety and quality standards.
• Proven ability to manage audits and inspections effectively.
• Excellent problem-solving skills for technical challenges.
• Strong communication skills to liaise with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Technical qualifications or certifications relevant to the role.

Job Offer

• Salary of -55,000- -59,000 DOE
• Opportunity to join a market-leading food manufacturing business at a strategically important site.
• A highly visible leadership role with significant influence across technical and quality functions.
• The chance to lead and develop established quality and technical teams.
• Exposure to major UK retail customers and complex manufacturing operations.
• A business committed to continuous improvement, innovation and investment.