Head of Technical

Gregory Walker Associates Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 125,000 - GBP 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food technology firm in Manchester is seeking a Senior Technical Leader to oversee compliance and drive quality at its chilled food site. This role involves leading technical teams, managing supplier performance, and ensuring adherence to food safety standards for major UK retailers. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in technical leadership within food manufacturing, and a proven ability to influence and communicate across functions. This is an opportunity to contribute to strategic site initiatives in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior technical or quality leadership role within food manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge and experience of international supply chain processes.
• Experienced in working with major UK retailers and managing technical relationships/audits.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the on-site technical and quality teams.
• Oversee supply chain technical compliance – from raw material approval to supplier performance.
• Act as the primary technical contact for key retail customers – managing audits, queries, and collaborative projects.
• Ensure full site compliance with food safety, hygiene, and retailer standards.
• Drive continuous improvement in systems, culture, and quality performance.
• Contribute to senior site strategy as part of the local leadership team.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Technical compliance

Continuous improvement

Job description

This is a senior leadership role within a high-performing chilled food site supplying top-tier UK retailers. The successful candidate will play a critical role in maintaining compliance, driving standards, and acting as the face of technical both internally and externally.

The Role

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the on-site technical and quality teams
• Oversee supply chain technical compliance – from raw material approval to supplier performance
• Act as the primary technical contact for key retail customers – managing audits, queries, and collaborative projects
• Ensure full site compliance with food safety, hygiene, and retailer standards
• Drive continuous improvement in systems, culture, and quality performance
• Contribute to senior site strategy as part of the local leadership team

The Candidate

About You

• Proven experience in a senior technical or quality leadership role within food manufacturing
• Strong knowledge and experience of international supply chain processes
• Experienced in working with major UK retailers and managing technical relationships/audits
• Natural leader with strong communication and cross-functional influence

Next Steps