Job Purpose:

A leading food manufacturing and distribution company is seeking an experienced and hands-on Quality & Technical Manager to ensure their food manufacturing and distribution operations meet the highest standards of food safety, quality, and legal compliance. This is a leadership role ideal for someone with a strong background in setting up and running food production facilities and a deep understanding of BRCGS, ISO standards, and continuous quality improvement.

Key Responsibilities

1. Quality & Food Safety Management

• Develop, implement, and manage robust food safety systems, including HACCP, TACCP, and VACCP.
• Ensure full compliance with BRCGS, ISO 22000, FSSC 22000, and relevant retailer standards.
• Lead internal and external audits, including BRC, customer, and local authority inspections.
• Investigate non-conformances, conduct root cause analysis, and implement effective corrective actions.

2. Technical Leadership & Factory Setup

• Lead the technical setup of new production sites, including facility layout, equipment selection, and process design.
• Establish and maintain quality control procedures from raw material intake to finished goods.
• Oversee hygiene and sanitation programs, including cleaning schedules, pest control, and allergen management.
• Collaborate with engineering and production to ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

3. Supplier & Raw Material Quality Assurance

• Manage the supplier approval process and maintain up-to-date raw material specifications.
• Conduct supplier audits to ensure adherence to quality and safety standards.
• Address and resolve raw material quality issues with suppliers.

4. Customer & Retailer Compliance

• Serve as the main technical liaison for key retail partners.
• Ensure all retailer technical requirements, including specifications, questionnaires, and compliance documentation, are fully met.
• Oversee accurate product labelling, claims verification, and regulatory compliance.

5. Team Leadership & Training

• Lead and develop the Quality Assurance and Technical team to ensure high performance and engagement.
• Deliver effective food safety and quality training across the business.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and quality excellence.

6. New Product Development (NPD) Support

• Collaborate with NPD teams to support safe and efficient product launches, from trial to full-scale production.
• Review new product formulations, conduct shelf-life evaluations, and validate processes.

Required Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Minimum of 5 years in a senior QA or Technical role within food manufacturing.
• Proven experience in setting up and managing food production sites.
• In-depth knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP, ISO 22000, and major retailer standards.
• Strong auditing skills (Lead Auditor qualification preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage quality systems from the ground up.
• Excellent problem-solving and root cause analysis capabilities.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Desirable:

• Experience working with high-risk food categories (e.g., chilled, RTE, meat, dairy).
• Background in food microbiology and laboratory testing.

Qualifications

• Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Certifications: HACCP Level 4, Food Safety Level 4, Lead Auditor.

Personal Attributes

• Detail-oriented and methodical.
• Hands-on, proactive, and solution-focused.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Able to perform under pressure and manage multiple priorities effectively.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary (based on experience).
• Pension and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to influence and elevate quality standards within a growing, dynamic business.