Technical Manager
Kent | £50,000-£55,000 (DOE) | Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm (flexibility required)
Are you an experienced Technical professional with a strong background in fresh produce? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment where food safety, quality, and compliance are at the heart of the business?
We are looking for a Technical Manager to support a Head of Technical and play a key role in maintaining the highest standards across site, suppliers, and customers.
The Role
As Technical Manager, you will be responsible for supporting the technical function across customer, supplier, and site operations. This is a varied role that combines customer specification management, audit leadership, compliance oversight, and team collaboration.
You'll be a key driver in ensuring compliance with industry standards including BRCGS and Red Tractor, while fostering a strong food safety culture throughout the business.
Key Responsibilities
Customer & Product Management
Manage and maintain product specifications and customer requirements
Maintain temporary specification trackers and customer platforms
Oversee supplier approvals and due diligence documentation
Investigate and resolve complaints and product rejections
Support QC operations in the absence of the Quality Manager
Conduct third-party packing facility visits as required
Approve labels for packed-at-source products
Liaise with at-source technical teams and travel when required
Conduct benchmarking and GAP analysisSite & Compliance
Lead the on-site HACCP Team (Level 3 minimum required)
Manage internal audits (GMPs), non-conformances, and corrective actions
Maintain and update site policies and procedures relating to food safety, legality, quality, and authenticity
Prepare and lead monthly SMM meetings, analysing technical data
Host third-party audits (BRCGS, Red Tractor, LEAF)
Maintain systems aligned with BRCGS and Red Tractor standards
Identify and organise training needs, maintaining accurate training records
Promote and embed a strong food safety cultureAbout You
To succeed in this role, you will have:
Essential experience within fresh produce (fruit & veg)
Strong working knowledge of food safety, quality systems, and QMS
HACCP Level 3 (minimum)
Experience working with retail customers
In-depth knowledge of BRCGS standards and customer complaint management
Excellent IT skills (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Strong organisational skills with a methodical and detail-focused approach
Ability to prioritise effectively in a deadline-driven environment
A full UK driving licence (essential)
Spanish language skills (desirable)Working Environment
Primarily office-based in Sidcup
Collaborative, team-focused culture
Fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
High level of accuracy and attention to detail requiredWhy Join?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing business where you'll have real influence over technical standards, customer relationships, and compliance performance. You'll work closely with senior leadership and play a pivotal role in maintaining excellence across the supply chain.
If you are a proactive, driven Technical professional ready for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you