K.A.G. Recruitment is proud to be exclusively partnering with our client a leader within the Food industry to recruit a Lead Technical Manager to join their team based in Duns, on the Scottish Borders.
Behind every product on the shelf is a team of people making sure it's safe, consistent, and made with care. Our clients Technical team plays a key part in that promise. They don't just meet standards, they shape them. And now, they're looking for someone to join that mission.
Job Title: Lead Technical Manager
Location: Duns, Scottish Borders
Package: £55,000 - £65,000 DOE, Healthcare, Life Assurance x 2, Pension, Wellbeing & Support Workshops, Training & Holidays 29 Days (inc BH)
Hours: Monday to Friday - 8am to 4 pm
Purpose of the role
As Lead Technical Manager, you'll be stepping into a well-established team, supported by a knowledgeable Head of Technical, and trusted to bring your experience and ideas to the table from day one. Your focus will be clear: protect and improve food safety, quality, and compliance across every stage of production.
But this isn't a role where you'll sit behind a desk ticking boxes. You'll be out on the floor, walking the lines, offering guidance where it's needed, and working closely with people from across the business, from production, commercial, NPD, and customer teams. You'll lead GMP audits, support customer visits, and make sure technical documentation is always accurate and ready to go.
Our client has a strong reputation for doing things right. They're looking for someone who shares that mindset, someone with a sharp eye for detail, who enjoys finding solutions, and who thrives in a fast-moving environment. You'll also be a key point of contact for major Retail accounts, building relationships with customer technologists and representing the business at sampling sessions, meetings, and audits.
The role includes:
Maintaining food safety, quality, and hygiene standards across the site
Leading GMP and internal audits and supporting customer visits
Managing technical documentation and ensuring records are kept up to date
Advising on new processes and supporting operational and NPD projects
Taking part in allergen and HACCP teams
Managing technical elements for key UK Retail customer accounts
Preparing KPI reports, quality reviews, and QAS documentation
Deputising for the Head of Technical in meetings, audits, and day-to-day decisions What you'll bring:
Ideally educated to Degree level in Food Science or a related field
Technical experience in the Chilled Food industry
HACCP and Food Safety Level 3 (Level 4 would be highly advantageous)
Internal auditing experience and familiarity with the latest BRC standards
Knowledge of ISO9001 and organic certification
Confident using Retailer systems and managing customer specifications
Strong communication skills and the ability to work well across departments
A full UK driving licence
You'll excel in this business if you're someone who likes to understand the 'Why' behind the work. Someone who can look at a process and ask, "How can we do this better?" and then help make that happen. If that sounds like you, and you're ready to be part of a team that takes pride in every detail, we'd love to hear from you