Job Description:

Technical Manager - Food Manufacturing

About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and driven Technical Manager to join our clients growing food manufacturing business. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in launching and shaping a brand-new production facility, ensuring the highest standards of food safety, quality, and compliance.
You will lead all technical and quality functions on site, working cross-functionally with production and maintenance teams to deliver safe, high-quality products while driving a strong food safety culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all technical, quality, and food safety activities across the site
• Ensure full compliance with BRCGS standards, UK food legislation, and retailer requirements
• Manage and maintain HACCP, QMS, TACCP/VACCP, allergen controls, and environmental monitoring programmes
• Own audit readiness, leading internal, external, and third-party audits
• Oversee product specifications, labelling, shelf-life validation, and process controls
• Manage supplier approval, raw material risk assessments, and high-risk ingredient compliance
• Support NPD activities, including trials, product launches, and technical validation
• Act as the key contact for customers on technical matters, handling queries, complaints, and site visits
• Drive continuous improvement in food safety, quality standards, and operational efficiency
• Lead, develop, and mentor the technical and QA teams

About You
Essential:

• Degree in Food Science or a related scientific discipline
• Proven experience in a Technical or Quality leadership role within chilled, high-care, or high-risk food manufacturing
• Strong knowledge of BRCGS, retailer standards, and audit processes
• Expertise in microbiological standards, pathogen control, and chilled supply chain management
• Advanced understanding of HACCP (Level 4) and UK food safety legislation

Desirable:

• Experience with nut/seed processing, oils, pastes, or viscous products
• Knowledge of hygienic design principles (EHEDG)
• Familiarity with CIP systems, heat exchangers, and grinding technologies

If you're a proactive and technically strong leader looking to make a real impact in a growing business, we'd love to hear from you.

S08

About Us

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options.

We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies Privacy Notice.