Job Description
Technical Manager (Customer Facing)
Location: Shropham, Norfolk (on-site)
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Permanent Full-Time
We are representing a highly respected food manufacturing organisation recognised as the UK's leading producer of free-range and organic chickens and turkeys. With over 30 years of heritage, the business has built an exceptional reputation for quality, animal welfare and sustainable farming, supplying both major retailers and top restaurant groups.
Passionate about doing the right thing, the company is now seeking an experienced Customer-Facing Technical Manager to play a pivotal role within its BRCGS and Red Tractor accredited poultry processing operation in Norfolk.
The Role
Working in close partnership with a Production-Facing Technical Manager, this role has primary responsibility for customer standards, external technical relationships and compliance activity. You will ensure customer requirements are clearly translated into robust site controls and continuous improvement actions.
This is a highly visible role, acting as the key technical interface between customers, auditors and the site, requiring strong technical credibility, commercial awareness and the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
Key Responsibilities
Customer & Stakeholder Management
* Act as the primary technical contact for key retail and foodservice customers
* Lead customer technical meetings, site visits and factory tours
* Build strong, credible relationships with customer technical teams
* Ensure customer specifications, codes of practice and requirements are fully implemented
* Communicate technical risk clearly, balancing customer expectations with operational capability
Food Safety, Quality & Compliance
* Joint responsibility for the site Food Safety Management System (FSMS)
* Ensure compliance with BRCGS Food Safety, Red Tractor, UK food legislation and retailer standards
* Lead and review HACCP systems, validations and verifications
* Oversee allergen, foreign body, traceability and product integrity controls
* Lead incident management, including withdrawals and recalls where required
Audits & Governance
* Co-lead and host BRCGS, customer, regulatory and internal audits
* Ensure audit readiness and timely close-out of corrective actions
* Liaise with FSA, DEFRA and Official Veterinarians as required
* Monitor legislative and standard changes and assess business impact
Specifications & Change Control
* Ownership of customer and internal specifications, labelling and approvals
* Manage change control processes and customer sign-off
Leadership & Culture
* Lead, develop and motivate the Technical / QA team
* Set objectives, manage performance and support succession planning
* Promote a strong food safety and quality culture across the site
Cross-Functional Working & Reporting
* Work closely with Operations, NPD, Engineering, Hygiene and Supply Chain
* Support continuous improvement and right-first-time initiatives
* Prepare and present technical KPIs, reports and customer updates
* Escalate risks and non-conformances with clear, pragmatic recommendations
What We're Looking For
Essential
* Proven experience as a Technical Manager within poultry, meat or high-risk food manufacturing
* Strong customer-facing experience with major UK retailers
* In-depth knowledge of BRCGS Food Safety Standard
* HACCP Level 3 or above
* Experience leading audits and managing complex customer requirements
* Strong understanding of UK food law and regulatory frameworks
* Confident communicator able to influence at senior level
Desirable
* Experience managing multiple customer accounts
* Strong retailer portal and customer code of practice knowledge
* Background in fresh, chilled or short-shelf-life food manufacturing
* Lead Auditor qualification
* Degree in Food Science, Food Technology or related discipline
Personal Attributes
* Credible, professional and confident with customers
* Calm, decisive and resilient under pressure
* Commercially aware and solutions-focused
* High integrity with an unwavering commitment to food safety and quality
Location & Hours
* Based on-site in Shropham, Norfolk (own transport essential due to rural location)
* Monday to Friday, 08:00–17:00 (42.5 hours per week)
* This role is site-based and not offered as remote or hybrid
What's on Offer
* Competitive salary, reviewed regularly
* Company pension scheme
* 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, rising to 33 with service
* Discounted gym membership
* Free on-site parking
* Employee discounts
* Opportunity to play a key role in a successful, ethical and growing food business
Apply in Confidence
Please send your CV in confidence to:
JBRP1_UKTJ