We are seeking an experienced Technical Manager to join a dynamic technical team, driving product quality, food safety, and compliance across their fresh produce operations. You\'ll play a critical role in supporting both site-based and customer-facing technical activities, ensuring adherence to BRC, customer, and legal standards while fostering continuous improvement throughout the business and supply chain.
This is a hands-on, proactive role ideal for someone passionate about food safety, supplier management, and driving standards across multiple customer accounts.
Key Responsibilities
* Support the Technical Director in managing day-to-day operations within the Technical Department to meet business objectives and quality standards.
* Ensure all products are manufactured to agreed internal and external specifications, working alongside the Technical Compliance team.
* Manage internal and third-party auditing programmes (BRC, customer audits), ensuring corrective and preventative actions are followed through.
* Act as the technical point of contact for customer accounts, supporting the commercial and sourcing teams.
* Drive continuous improvement initiatives across technical systems, processes, and product quality.
* Support supplier due diligence, ensuring efficient approval processes and adherence to all relevant pesticide legislation and food safety regulations.
* Conduct supplier and site audits (UK and overseas), following up on non-conformances and ensuring supplier compliance.
* Support APS UK growing sites with Global Gap, Red Tractor, GRASP, LEAF, and Tesco Nurture audits.
* Lead technical aspects of innovation, NPD projects, and product trials in line with customer expectations.
* Maintain up-to-date product specifications and manage KPI reporting to both internal stakeholders and customers.
* Collaborate across technical functions on group-wide projects to align quality plans and procedures.
* Ensure site adherence to HACCP, TACCP, and product safety procedures, participating in operational meetings.
* Manage and review site Quality & Safety Management Systems for continuous improvement.
About You
Essential Experience & Qualifications:
* Minimum 5 years\' experience in Quality Assurance / Food Manufacturing / Fresh Produce position
* Internal Auditor qualification (Lead Auditor preferred).
* HACCP Level 4 and TACCP trained.
* Working knowledge of BRCGS (Version 9) standards.
* Experience with customer compliance systems (e.g., Tesco, M&S, Aldi, Waitrose, Ocado).
* Strong IT skills - Excel, databases, and customer portals.
* Knowledge of SAP and Muddy Boots Greenlight QC platforms.
* Experience managing supplier relationships, due diligence, and auditing processes.
Desirable:
* ISO 9001 Lead Auditor trained.
* M&S Select Grower trained auditor.
* Experience working with retailer platforms such as Tesco Foods Connected, Sainsbury Evolve, Waitrose Engage.
* Experience in factory environment, ideally fresh produce/packing sites.
Why Join ?
* Be a key part of a forward-thinking technical team delivering best-in-class products to leading UK retailers.
* Work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where innovation and continuous improvement are encouraged.
* Opportunity for career development and working on high-profile customer accounts.
* Competitive salary package and benefits.
For more information please contact Luan at MorePeople on (phone number removed) or e mail (url removed)
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