JOB DESCRIPTION
Interim Technical Manager
Company
B.I. (Europe) Limited
Job Title
Interim Technical Manager
Location
Loughborough, Leicestershire (site-based)
Reports To
Factory Operations Manager (Vasile), with dotted line to CEO
Employment Type
Fixed-term Contract / Interim (6 months, with option to extend or convert to permanent)
Working Hours
Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week (flexibility required during audits and peak periods)
Who We Are
B.I. (Europe) Limited is a UK-headquartered manufacturer of ambient-stable sauces and condiments, trading under the Harrisons Sauces brand. With over 40 years of heritage, approximately 100 employees, and BRC Global Standards certification at Higher Level, we serve leading customers across UK foodservice, retail, and transport catering, with active expansion into the UAE and wider international markets.
Quality is our number one strategic priority. We are seeking an experienced interim Technical Manager to provide immediate senior technical leadership, strengthen our quality systems, and ensure we maintain the highest standards during a period of significant business growth.
Role Purpose
This is a hands-on senior leadership role with a clear mandate: take ownership of the technical function, ensure BRC Higher Level audit readiness at all times, and build the systems and team capability to sustain quality standards as production volumes and product lines increase.
The interim nature of the role means we need someone who can deliver impact from week one — assessing the current state, identifying gaps, implementing fixes, and leaving behind robust processes and a more capable team. There is a genuine opportunity for this to become a permanent position for the right candidate.
Primary Deliverables (First 6 Months)
These are the specific outcomes we expect this role to deliver:
* BRC Audit Readiness: Ensure the site is audit-ready at all times for BRC Global Standards (Higher Level). Lead the preparation for any scheduled or unannounced BRC audits during the engagement.
* Quality Systems Review: Conduct a full gap analysis of current quality management systems, HACCP plans, and technical documentation. Produce a prioritised action plan with clear timelines.
* Customer Audit Success: Lead all customer technical audits and third-party assessments. Achieve pass/approval status on all audits during the engagement period.
* Complaint Reduction: Reduce customer complaint rate through root cause analysis, corrective action implementation, and improved process controls. Establish meaningful trend data and reporting.
* Team Development: Assess the QA/Technical team capability, address skill gaps, and leave behind a team that can operate effectively with or without a permanent Technical Manager in post.
* Handover Documentation: Produce a comprehensive handover pack including: state of play assessment, outstanding actions, risk register, and recommendations for the permanent hire (or for extending the engagement).
Core Responsibilities
Technical Leadership & Quality Assurance
* Own the technical function end-to-end: food safety, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, specifications, and labelling
* Maintain and continuously improve the site's Quality Management System in line with BRC Global Standards, customer requirements, and UK food safety legislation
* Evaluate and monitor process controls during production; ensure compliance with agreed product specifications, recipes, and procedures
* Manage the HACCP system: lead the HACCP team, conduct reviews, and ensure all prerequisite programmes are effective
* Issue non-conformance reports, lead root cause investigations, and implement corrective and preventative actions (CAPA) with clear accountability and follow-through
* Conduct and document product recall/withdrawal exercises and ensure crisis management procedures are tested and current
Audit Management
* Act as the site's lead technical contact for all external audits: BRC, customer audits, local authority inspections, and any third-party certification bodies
* Conduct internal audits against BRC, HACCP, and customer standards; track findings through to closure
* Ensure all certifications, registrations, and licences are current and properly maintained
* Maintain audit-ready documentation at all times — no last-minute scrambles
Team Management
* Directly manage the QA/Technical team (QA Supervisors, Technical Assistants, QA Operatives)
* Set clear objectives, conduct regular one-to-ones, and manage performance proactively
* Identify training needs and deliver or arrange training in food safety, HACCP, allergen management, hygiene, and quality procedures
* Foster a quality-first culture across the entire site — not just within the technical team
Customer & Supplier Technical Management
* Investigate and respond to customer complaints within agreed timescales; conduct thorough root cause analysis and provide professional written responses
* Manage product specifications, artwork approvals, and technical data sheets for all customers
* Approve raw materials, packaging, and supplier specifications; conduct or coordinate supplier audits where required
* Support NPD and reformulation projects with technical input on feasibility, shelf life, labelling, and regulatory compliance
Continuous Improvement & Commercial Impact
* Identify and implement process improvements that reduce waste, rework, and quality-related costs — with a clear link to margin improvement
* Establish and report on technical KPIs: complaint rates, non-conformance trends, audit scores, right-first-time percentages, and waste attributable to quality failures
* Provide data-driven recommendations to the Operations Manager and CEO on quality investments, risk areas, and improvement priorities
* Support the business in meeting technical requirements for new customer onboarding and market entry (including UAE export documentation and compliance)
Required Skills & Qualifications
Essential
* Minimum 5 years' experience in a Technical Manager or Senior QA Manager role within food manufacturing — ideally ambient sauces, condiments, or liquid food products
* Proven track record of leading BRC Global Standards audits and achieving/maintaining Higher Level or Grade A certification
* HACCP Level 4 (or equivalent advanced HACCP qualification)
* Lead Auditor qualification (BRC, ISO 22000, or equivalent)
* In-depth knowledge of UK food safety legislation, labelling regulations, and allergen management requirements
* Hands-on experience managing a QA/Technical team of 3+ people
* Strong root cause analysis skills (e.g., 8D, fishbone, 5-Why methodology)
* Confident and credible in customer-facing audit situations
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and quality management systems
* Fluent written and spoken English
Desirable
* Experience across multiple food manufacturing sites or as an interim/consultant
* Six Sigma, Lean, or other continuous improvement methodology training
* Food Science or related degree
* Experience with ERP/MRP systems used in food manufacturing
What We Offer
* Competitive interim day rate (negotiable based on experience) or fixed-term salary
* 32 days holiday including Bank Holidays (pro-rata for contract duration)
* Pension scheme (if applicable to contract type)
* Free on-site parking with excellent transport links to Leicester, Nottingham, and Derby
* Direct access to senior leadership — your recommendations will be heard and acted upon
* Genuine opportunity to convert to a permanent role
* Monday to Friday core hours with flexibility during audit and peak periods
How Success Will Be Measured
At the end of the engagement, the Factory Operations Manager and CEO should be able to say:
1. We are BRC audit-ready at all times — not just in the weeks before an audit.
2. Customer complaints are trending down and every one has a proper root cause and corrective action.
3. The QA team is stronger, more capable, and can sustain standards independently.
4. Quality-related waste and rework costs have measurably reduced.
5. We have a clear, documented picture of where the technical function stands and what the permanent hire needs to focus on.
This job description defines the overall purpose and key responsibilities of the role. It is subject to periodic revision as the business evolves and is not limited to the duties listed above.
Job Types: Fixed term contract, Temp to perm
Contract length: 3 - 6 months
Pay: From £40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person