Technical Manager

Description

Overview

Our client is a highly respected, fast–growing food manufacturing business based in Kent, supplying a major UK retailer with premium, short–shelf–life products. Known for quality, innovation, and strong customer relationships, they are now seeking an experienced Technical Manager to lead the technical agenda on–site.

This is a key role within the senior team, responsible for shaping technical strategy, driving continuous improvement in food safety and quality, and acting as the primary interface with a high–profile retail customer.

Key Responsibilities

Retailer Relationship Management Act as the main technical contact for one of the UK s major retailers, ensuring excellent communication, smooth audit performance, and ongoing confidence in product integrity.

Technical & Quality Leadership Lead the site s technical, QA and compliance functions, ensuring robust systems across HACCP, QMS, raw materials, allergen management, traceability and specifications.

Food Safety Governance Maintain the highest standards of food safety and GMP; ensure BRC / retailer COP compliance and readiness at all times.

Business Strategy Contribution Work with the SLT to create and deliver the technical roadmap, including long–term quality strategy, risk mitigation, NPD support and customer growth plans.

Continuous Improvement Identify and implement improvements in quality, processes, and site standards; embed a right–first–time culture across production.

Team Leadership & Development Manage and mentor the technical/QA team, ensuring capability, engagement, and succession planning.

Audit & Compliance Management Lead site audits, including third–party, customer and regulatory visits.

Data & Reporting Provide technical insights, KPI reporting, and trend analysis to support operational and strategic decision–making.

Cross–Functional Collaboration Work closely with Production, NPD, Engineering and Supply Chain to deliver safe, compliant, and high–quality products consistently.

The Ideal Candidate

Proven experience as a Technical Manager or Senior Technical Professional within UK food manufacturing.

Strong knowledge of BRC, HACCP Level 4, UK retailer standards (Tesco, M&S, Sainsbury s etc.).

Experience managing technical relationships with major retailers essential.

Track record of driving quality improvements, implementing systems, and raising site standards.

Confident leader able to influence across teams and drive a positive food safety culture.

Strong communicator, commercially aware, and comfortable working at pace with daily operational demands.

Ideally experienced with short shelf–life / chilled manufacturing, although open to background for the right person.

Next Steps

If you re a dynamic and commercially minded Technical Manager looking for a new challenge with a progressive, customer–focused manufacturer, we d love to hear from you.

Please apply by subitting your CV or give me a call / drop me a message to the details below.

Ad ID: 5417444808