Job Description
Job Title: Assistant Technical Manager
Location:Cranbrook
Job Type:Full-time, Permanent
Hours:40 per week
Reporting to:Technical Manager
Job Purpose
The Assistant Technical Manager will support the Technical Manager in the day-to-day management of the site technical function within a food manufacturing environment. The role will involve leading key elements of food safety, quality, and compliance while acting as a technical interface between production, customers, suppliers, and external bodies.
This is a hands-on role suited to an experienced technical professional looking to step into a management position while remaining actively involved in factory-based technical operations.
Key Responsibilities
Technical & Quality Management
* Support the management and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System in line with food safety, quality, and legal requirements.
* Deputise for the Technical Manager when required.
* Support the management, coaching, and development of the QC and technical team.
* Lead investigations into non-conformances, customer complaints, and quality incidents, ensuring robust corrective and preventative actions.
* Support internal audits and manage actions arising from external audits.
Food Safety & Compliance
* Actively participate in HACCP reviews and food safety meetings.
* Support the implementation and ongoing management of HACCP, TACCP, and VACCP.
* Support traceability, mass balance, and product recall testing exercises.
* Oversee validations, shelf-life testing, and product verification activities.
* Ensure effective control of labelling systems and compliance with legal requirements.
* Support management of pest control and site hygiene standards.
Customer & Supplier Interface
* Support completion and review of customer specifications and technical documentation.
* Act as a point of contact for technical customer queries.
* Support customer complaint investigations and responses.
* Support supplier approval processes, raw material specifications, and supplier performance.
* Liaise with customers, suppliers, laboratories, and auditors as required.
Factory & NPD Support
* Work closely with Production teams to ensure food safety and quality standards are consistently met.
* Carry out factory inspections and support corrective actions.
* Support NPD activity including product launches, artwork reviews, nutrition calculations, and sensory panels.
* Participate in technical input to new product development and change management.
Skills & Experience
Essential
* Experience in a technical or quality role within food manufacturing.
* Strong working knowledge of food safety systems such as HACCP.
* Experience supporting audits and managing non-conformances.
* Confident communicator able to work across production, technical, and commercial teams.
* Comfortable working in a hands-on, factory-based role.
Desirable
* Experience working to BRCGS or equivalent food safety standards.
* Experience managing or supervising QA/QC teams.
* Experience with customer specifications and retail portals.
* Knowledge of TACCP and VACCP.
* Food safety or HACCP Level 3 or above qualification.
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