Quality and Technical Manager
Competitive salary, plus excellent benefits.
Full time – Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm/9am to 5pm
Location: Harlow
Reports to: Managing Director
The Quality and Technical Manager will ensure that all company products meet the highest standards of quality and performance for our customers. This role is critical in maintaining product integrity, driving continuous improvement, and supporting technical and commercial functions across the business. This is also a customer facing role when required, so the ability to troubleshoot, demonstrate, communicate and develop business.
Key Responsibilities of the Quality and Technical Manager:
Quality Analysis
* Monitor daily Freeway weight data from all three sites.
* Review test results for both milling sites.
* Check CO₂ balances and raising agent feeder data.
* Download and analyse daily flour batch reports to calculate gluten and remix percentages; maintain records for audits.
* Verify wheat intake results for both milling sites.
* Prepare and maintain documentation and summary reports related to quality data.
* Oversee Certificates of Analysis (CoAs) and Certificates of Conformance (CoCs) for customers.
* Liaise with the Head of Technical and respond to customer queries requiring flour and baking expertise.
* Oversee test baking activities.
Procurement & Sales Support
* Provide technical expertise in flour and baking during procurement processes.
* Support sales development through troubleshooting, demonstrations, and collaboration with NPD and Sales teams on quality and flour selection.
* Manage quality-sensitive customer accounts where appropriate.
Complaint Management
* Coordinate all customer and supplier complaints promptly and professionally.
* Produce monthly and annual summary reports for Directors.
* Drive initiatives to reduce complaints and improve customer satisfaction.
Packaging & Labelling
* Ensure all product labelling complies with legal requirements.
Other Responsibilities
* Assist with audits as required.
* Promote company values and champion quality improvements across the business.
* Maintain compliance with GDPR, Equality Act 2010, and Employment Rights Act 1996.
* Undertake additional tasks as required.
Skills & Experience Required
* Extensive experience as a flour and bakery technologist, with strong technical knowledge of bread and cake production.
* Deep understanding of how flour quality impacts baking processes and how bakery practices influence product outcomes.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to interpret data from ERP, LIMS, and CRM systems.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build lasting customer relationships.
* Commercial awareness and business acumen.
* Highly organised, detail-oriented, and proactive, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
* Commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive individual to play a pivotal role in shaping quality standards and influencing key areas of the business, including purchasing, technical development, production, and sales.