Are you an experienced technical leader ready to take on a senior role with real influence?

This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a Head of Technical position within a growing, family-run business with ambitious expansion plans. Supplying premium own-label and branded products to major UK retailers, food service, and global markets, this role will place you at the forefront of technical strategy and compliance.

You’ll oversee all aspects of food safety, quality, and technical standards across the business, working closely with operations, NPD, and commercial teams to ensure seamless execution. As the key point of contact for major customers and external bodies, you’ll lead on audits, regulatory compliance, and technical partnerships while shaping the technical agenda to support growth.

If you're looking for a senior leadership role in a dynamic and fast-evolving business, where your input directly shapes performance and future success, this could be the ideal next step in your career.

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You will be responsible for, but not limited to:

• Ensure all products comply with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Lead site preparation and represent the organisation during third-party and customer visits or audits.
• Maintain a high-level BRC site standard (AA*).
• Oversee the implementation and continuous improvement of food safety and quality management systems.
• Keep up-to-date with industry regulations and emerging risks
• Monitor and drive improvements in customer complaints, non-conformances, and product recalls.
• Ensure effective root cause analysis and implementation of corrective actions.
• Manage and develop the technical team, promoting performance, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Support New Product Development (NPD) and Existing Product Development (EPD) from a technical and compliance perspective.
• Collaborate closely with R&D and Commercial teams to deliver innovation that is safe, compliant, and scalable.
• Act as the lead technical contact for key retail customers and external auditors.
• Build and maintain strong technical relationships with major UK retailers.
• Represent the organisation in technical discussions, issue resolution, and site visits.
• Work alongside Production and Engineering teams to enhance process control, reduce waste, and drive operational excellence.
• Champion a quality-first culture and lead technical training across departments.
• Support initiatives around sustainability, traceability, and digital traceability.
• Manage KPI reporting related to compliance, traceability, and incident response times.
• Focus on reducing customer complaints through proactive measures.

‍What's required?

• Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Food Technology, or a related discipline.
• At least 5 years’ experience in a senior technical or quality role within food manufacturing.
• Extensive auditing experience, with thorough knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP, TACCP/VACCP, retailer standards, and overall food safety.
• Strong experience and confidence in managing and supporting technical customer relationships.
• Minimum Level 3 qualifications in Food Safety and HACCP.

‍What's in it for you?‍‍
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£70,000.00 - £80,000.00 per annum

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‍Do you think you fit the criteria?

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‍Want to find out more about the role?

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(ID 175)

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