Technical Manager

HR GO Driving; Whetsted; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing firm in Whetsted is seeking an experienced Technical Manager to lead the technical function and develop food safety processes. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years' experience in a technical role within food manufacturing, with strong knowledge of BRC standards. The role offers a permanent full-time position with competitive salary and opportunities for professional development. The successful applicant will need excellent communication and organizational skills.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Professional development opportunities

Leadership in technical improvement projects

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in food manufacturing.
• Working knowledge of BRC Global Standard and audits.
• Strong understanding of HACCP and allergen control.

Responsibilities

• Lead the site technical function managing a small team.
• Maintain food safety management systems and compliance.
• Drive BRC standard compliance; oversee audits.

Skills

People management

Food safety principles

BRC Global Standard requirements

Root cause analysis

Excellent communication

Organisational skills

Education

BSc in Food Science or related

NEBOSH qualification

Job description

Technical Manager

Job Reference: TM/896HL

Manufacturing and Production Paddock Wood, Kent Discussed upon application Permanent

We are seeking an experienced Technical Manager to lead and develop technical and food safety processes for a busy food manufacturing business. This is a hands‑on role for a practical, results‑driven individual with strong leadership skills and a demonstrable track record in food safety and processing compliance.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the site technical function, managing a small technical team and coordinating cross‑functional stakeholders (production, QA, procurement, R&D).
• Maintain and continuously improve the site food safety management systems, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and industry best practice.
• Drive and maintain BRC standard compliance; lead internal audits, manage third‑party audits and oversee corrective actions and continuous improvement activity.
• Oversee HACCP systems, allergen control, traceability, labelling and shelf‑life programs.
• Provide technical support for new product introductions, process changes and raw material approvals.
• Investigate quality and food safety incidents, perform root cause analysis, implement corrective/preventive actions and report findings to senior management.
• Manage supplier assurance and raw material specifications, including coordinating supplier audits where required.
• Prepare and deliver technical training to production and QA teams to embed food safety culture.

Essential requirements

• Minimum of 5 years' relevant experience in a technical/quality role within food manufacturing, including people management.
• Working knowledge of BRC Global Standard requirements and experience preparing for and managing BRC audits.
• Strong practical knowledge of food safety and processing principles (HACCP, allergen control, traceability, labelling, GMPs).
• Demonstrable experience in incident investigation, root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.

Desirable

• Formal food safety/quality qualification (e.g., NEBOSH, BSc in Food Science, Food Technology or related).
• Experience with other standards (e.g., ISO, SQF) and GMP systems.
• Experience of supplier audit programs and raw material specification management.

What we offer

• Permanent full‑time role with competitive salary and benefits.
• Opportunity to lead technical improvement projects in a progressive food manufacturing environment.
• Professional development and training opportunities.

Salary

Competitive DOE

To apply

Please email your CV and a brief covering letter to [e-mail]. Applications will be treated in confidence.

Contact us

• Email:[e-mail]
• Call:01233 722 401