Technical Manager

This; City of London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading plant-based food company in the United Kingdom is seeking a Technical Manager to oversee food safety and product quality. This mid-senior level position requires expertise in chilled and frozen food manufacturing, emphasizing communication and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will drive technical strategies and support new product development in a dynamic environment. This role offers a competitive salary, extensive paid time off, and hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

25 days paid holiday allowance

Mental health support

Life assurance

Flexible working hours

Access to Freebie Freezer

Qualifications

• Background in chilled & frozen food manufacturing.
• Experience in the plant-based sector preferred.
• Detail-oriented with a proactive approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical strategy across all business aspects.
• Manage total quality management system.
• Support launch & development of new products.

Skills

Food safety standards

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Job description

Direct message the job poster from THIS™

THIS™ is a high-growth, VC-backed emerging leader in producing plant-based food. Meat-alternatives, to be exact. In fact, if we’re being reallllly exact – our products are at the leading-edge of the plant-based sector in terms of taste, texture and appearance. Here’s our insta, for a quick stalk - www.instagram.com/this.uk

It’s worth mentioning that since our launch in June 2019, the company has experienced extremely significant growth in revenue. In 2023, THIS™ topped The Grocer and Alantra’s annual Fast 50 list, a ranking of the country’s fastest-growing food and drink companies on two-year sales growth. We have strong aspirations to continue this growth trajectory as we aim to be the number 1 plant-based brand in the UK and beyond and we believe we have the team and investment to achieve this.

Why are we doing THIS™?

Andy and Pete are our co-founders and their last job entailed selling tonnes (literally tonnes) of meat. Then they felt bad. Also, they felt like meat-alternatives weren’t really for people who love the taste of meat. So, they’ve basically ended up making THIS™ for themselves, but they’d love other meat-lovers to give it a go too. THIS™ is a game-changer. At our core, our vision is to have a world where animals aren’t food, and the environment is protected.

Our mission statement to guide us to getting there is:
“We will lead a revolution with our ridiculously delicious and nutritious plant-based food.”

What’s with this role?

To lead the Technical and Quality function at THIS™, owning the food safety and product quality strategy across the business. This role ensures that every product meets uncompromising standards of safety, legality, authenticity, and excellence, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration across teams and suppliers.

What will you be getting up to?

• You’ll lead our technical strategy across all aspects of the business through the quality champions and technical managers for our manufacturers
• Leading our total quality management system and process for THIS™ culminating in the annual BRCGS review
• Support the launch & development of new products, collaborating with NPD, supply chain, and sustainability colleagues to drive continuous improvement.
• You’ll be the go-to person for technical troubleshooting, regulatory updates, and ensuring our technical documentation is always up-to-date and audit-ready.

What are we looking for?

• We’re seeking a highly skilled Technical Manager with a background in chilled & frozen food manufacturing, ideally with experience in the plant-based sector, to lead on all things technical for the business.
• You’ll need to be detail-oriented, proactive, and have a strong understanding of food safety standards, accreditation processes, and UK/EU regulations.
• Excellent communication skills are essential, as you’ll liaise with external partners, suppliers, and regulatory bodies, championing best practice and supporting our mission to revolutionise plant-based food.
• A data-driven, decisive, determined and problem-solving mindset will be balanced with a passion about plant-based innovation and consumer safety.

Alignment with our company values:

• Be Kind: We support and include each other, we’re honest and give feedback, we’re considerate and act with love and trust, we have fun, and we look after the planet.
• Be Brave: We’re adaptable and embrace change, we’re resilient and have a growth mindset, we think creatively and speak up, we change course if we need to, and we learn and grow.
• Be Focused: We always drive towards our mission and vision, we make sustainable long-term decisions, we deliver for our consumers by prioritising the right things, we think business-minded - brand and consumer, and we own our own roles.
• Be Passionate: We’re ambassadors of our company and products, we’re THIS™ geeks and experts, we’re purpose-led, and we’re aware of our impact on the outside world.

From our side

• A competitive salary that fairly recognises your experience and potential.
• 25 days paid Holiday Allowance, plus the 8 bank holidays, plus 1 paid Wellbeing Day a month to take off to dedicate to yourself. That’s a total of 45 paid days off per full year – we care about our team’s wellbeing, so we make sure you have time to fully switch off, rest, and recharge.
• Hybrid working – 3 days (Tues, Wed, Thu) in the office
• Flexible working hours – We're not a 9-5. Our focus is on your ability to deliver for the business, not your ability to keep strict working hours.
• Life assurance
• Mental health support - the company pays for Spill, a mental health wellness provider that gives everyone access to mental health resources, and free therapy sessions.
• Access to our Freebie Freezer so you can eat as much of THIS™ as you fancy.
• The chance to have a meaningful impact
• As a relatively small, albeit growing, team you'll be exposed to, and have the chance to contribute towards, challenges and projects at all levels and in all areas of the business. A good idea is a good idea, regardless of the experience or seniority of who came up with it.

THIS’ Equity, Diversity and Inclusion hiring commitment

We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We celebrate the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of all our team members and strive to create an environment that encourages authenticity, collaboration, and growth. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in our industry. If you need any adjustments to the recruitment process to help you perform at your best, please let us know – we’re here to help you.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Manufacturing

Industries

Food and Beverage Manufacturing

Location: Kent, England, United Kingdom