Technical Manager
Salary: £50k
Location: Somerset
Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer
Direct Reports: Quality Team Leader, NPD Manager
Overview
A growing and dynamic manufacturing business within the nutrition and health products sector is seeking a Technical Manager to lead quality, food safety, and product development activities.
This is a pivotal role responsible for ensuring all products meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and compliance, while supporting innovation and new product development in line with customer and market requirements. The role will operate within a highly regulated environment, maintaining top-tier audit standards (e.g. BRCGS AA+).
Key Responsibilities
Quality & Food Safety Leadership
- Lead and continuously improve the Quality Management System (QMS) and HACCP framework
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, legal, and customer requirements
- Maintain and uphold high-level audit standards (e.g. BRCGS), including audit readiness and execution
- Act as the primary contact for customer and third-party audits, managing outcomes and corrective actions
- Drive internal audit programmes and continuous improvement initiatives
Technical & Customer Support
- Provide expert technical guidance to customers on product application, formulation, and compliance
- Act as a key interface between customers, suppliers, and internal teams on all technical matters
- Support and advise on food safety, hygiene, GMP, and best practice across manufacturing
New Product Development (NPD)
- Lead technical input into NPD from concept through to factory scale-up
- Support trials, validation, and successful launch of new products
- Oversee artwork approval and ensure compliance with regulatory and customer requirements
Supplier & Compliance Management
- Manage supplier approval processes and conduct supplier audits where required
- Maintain raw material and finished product specifications
- Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and industry standards
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with production, operations, and commercial teams to ensure delivery of safe, compliant, and high-quality products
- Support alignment between customer expectations and operational capability
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, coach, and develop a growing technical and quality team
- Set clear objectives, KPIs, and development plans aligned to business goals
- Drive a high-performance, quality-focused culture across the organisation
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Proven experience in a Technical or Quality leadership role within food or nutrition manufacturing
- Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and quality management systems
- Experience managing customer and third-party audits
- In-depth understanding of food legislation, compliance, and manufacturing standards
- Strong leadership and team development capability
Desirable
- Experience in senior technical leadership roles
- Exposure to product development and retail or international standards
- Knowledge of ISO standards (e.g. ISO14001, ISO45001)
Qualifications
- Degree in Food Science, Food Safety, or a related discipline
- HACCP Level 4
- Food Safety Level 4
- Lead Auditor qualification (desirable)
Personal Attributes
- Results-driven with a strong focus on quality and continuous improvement
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail
- Confident decision-maker with excellent problem-solving skills
- Strong communicator, able to influence at all levels
- Proactive, hands-on, and adaptable approach
- Collaborative team player with a professional mindset
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