A leading UK food manufacturer supplying major retail customers is seeking an experienced Head of Technical to lead the site's technical, quality, food safety and compliance agenda.

This is a senior leadership position with responsibility for driving technical excellence across a complex manufacturing operation, ensuring the highest standards of food safety, legality, quality and customer satisfaction.

Working as a key member of the site leadership team, the successful candidate will provide strategic direction to the Technical function whilst developing strong relationships with major retail customers and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Technical, Quality and Compliance teams across the site.
• Own the food safety, quality and legal compliance strategy.
• Act as the primary technical contact for major UK retail customers.
• Lead customer visits, audits and technical reviews.
• Ensure compliance with BRCGS, retailer standards and all relevant legislation.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement across food safety, quality and technical performance.
• Manage customer complaints, product incidents and technical investigations.
• Lead internal, customer and third-party audits.
• Develop and implement site technical objectives aligned to wider business strategy.
• Support new product development, process improvement and operational excellence initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with regulatory bodies, customers and suppliers.
• Provide technical leadership to the wider business and site leadership team.

Candidate Profile

We are interested in speaking with experienced technical leaders who possess:

• Significant experience within food manufacturing, ideally in chilled food.
• Proven leadership experience at Senior Technical Manager, Head of Technical or equivalent level.
• Strong knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP, retailer standards and food legislation.
• Experience managing customer relationships with major UK retailers.
• A track record of leading successful audits and driving technical improvements.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Degree qualification in Food Science, Food Technology or a related discipline preferred.

What's on Offer

• Senior leadership opportunity within a well-established food manufacturing business.
• High-profile role with significant customer exposure.
• Opportunity to influence site strategy and business performance.
• Competitive salary, bonus and benefits package.
• Excellent long-term career development prospects.