Technical Services Manager

The Compleat Food Group Limited; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 41,000 - GBP 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK food manufacturer is seeking a Technical Services Manager for their Milton Keynes site. This role involves managing the site's Quality Management System (QMS), leading audits and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in leading teams, a comprehensive understanding of BRC standards, and the ability to influence on food safety matters. Competitive salary and extensive benefits including healthcare and wellbeing support are offered, promoting a rewarding career in food manufacturing.

Benefits

Salary Sacrifice Schemes

33 days’ annual leave

Enhanced retail discounts

Free product handouts

EV charging points

24/7 access to GroceryAid

Free diet & nutrition advice

Online wellbeing support

Personalized learning platform access

Formal training opportunities

Performance Development Plans

Mentoring Scheme

Recognition rewards portal

Qualifications

• Level 3 HACCP required.
• Strong understanding of BRC standards is key.
• Experience in audits and quality management is essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage the site Quality Management System (QMS).
• Lead and coordinate internal and external audits.
• Monitor site KPIs and manage non-conformances.

Skills

Level 3 HACCP

Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene

Strong understanding of BRC standards and QMS

Experience leading audits and managing non-conformances

Knowledge of retailer portals

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to coach and influence teams on food safety and quality standards

Experience within food manufacturing / FMCG

High attention to detail

VACCP / TACCP training

Job description

Milton Keynes
£41,000 per annum
Full-time | Site-based

About The Compleat Food Group

The Compleat Food Group is one of the UK’s leading chilled food manufacturers, home to a diverse portfolio of much-loved brands and own-label products supplied to the major UK retailers and foodservice customers.

With food safety, quality and compliance at the heart of everything we do, we’re now looking to appoint a Technical Services Manager to support our Milton Keynes site and help drive high standards across the operation.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Technical, the Technical Services Manager will play a critical role in managing the site Quality Management System (QMS), coordinating internal and external audits (including unannounced audits), leading site KPIs and deputising for the Site Head of Technical and Factory Technical Manager when required.

This is a hands-on, influential role with strong exposure to customers, auditors and cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

Technical, Food Safety & Quality

• Own, maintain and continuously improve the site Quality Management System (QMS)
• Lead BRC, customer and third-party audits, including unannounced audits
• Actively monitor systems to maintain Grade A+/AA+ BRC status
• Manage and trend site KPIs in collaboration with the Technical Team
• Lead internal audits and manage non-conformances, including supplier issues
• Support traceability and mass balance exercises
• Monitor and analyse microbiological and shelf-life performance data
• Liaise with Group Compliance on supplier approval and the Approved Supplier List
• Support new product introductions by preparing procedures, standards and documentation
• Act as a key technical contact for customer visits and audits

Leadership & People Management

• Line manage the Food Safety Technologist and Intake Coordinator
• Manage workload, performance and development of direct reports
• Deliver training across Technical and Hygiene teams
• Chair and manage complex disciplinary and grievance cases
• Drive engagement, communication and continuous improvement within the team

Health, Safety & Environment

• Ensure compliance with all Health, Safety & Environmental requirements
• Lead risk assessments, COSHH and safe systems of work
• Ensure contractor and visitor safety within your area
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping and equipment compliance
• Stop any process operating outside legal or safety requirements

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Level 3 HACCP
• Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene
• Strong understanding of BRC standards and QMS
• Experience leading audits and managing non-conformances
• Knowledge of retailer portals
• High attention to detail with a structured, methodical approach
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to coach and influence teams on food safety and quality standards
• Experience within food manufacturing / FMCG
• VACCP / TACCP training

Why Join Us?

At The Compleat Food Group, we believe our people are the heart of our success. That’s why we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your lifestyle, wellbeing, and career growth:

• Salary Sacrifice Schemes– including Electric Vehicles, Home & Tech, Cycle to Work, and SMART Pension
• 33 days’ annual leave(including bank holidays) with the option to purchase extra
• Access to enhanced retail discountsonline and in-store
• Free product handoutsacross our sites, so you can sample and enjoy our delicious products first hand
• EV charging points– available at selected sites
• 24/7 access to GroceryAidfor free financial, emotional, and practical support
• Physical Wellbeing Hub– free on-demand exercise programmes, online classes and multiple gym discounts
• Free diet & nutrition advicewith access to thousands of meal plans and healthy recipes
• Online wellbeing support– from mindfulness to lifestyle resources
• Financial wellbeing tools– including mortgage calculators, budgeting tools, and financial aid
• Access to a personalised online learning platform (LMS)
• Formal and informal trainingopportunities tailored to your role
• Performance Development Plansand regular Career Conversations
• Industry leading company Mentoring Scheme to add depth and really support your career journey
• Recognition through Club Compleatrewards portal

Community & Culture

• 2 paid volunteering daysper year to give back to causes that matter to you
• Charity initiativesand fundraising events
• Team socialsto connect and celebrate together
• Employee networks & support groups – including Women @ Compleat