Technical Manager
Day-to-day of the role:
* Provide specialist expertise and guidance to support the food safety culture.
* Propose the company's stance on emerging trends and develop necessary policies.
* Lead internal audits, identifying non-conformances, and collaborate on actionable solutions.
* Manage annual product traceability, withdrawal, and recall testing.
* Ensure all products comply with customer specifications.
* Regularly evaluate supplier performance through annual reviews, on-site visits, and external audits.
* Ensure timely delivery of product specifications and data sheets to customers.
* Address customer complaints efficiently and ensure Certificates of Authenticity and Compliance are provided within the agreed timeframes.
* Oversee quality control, audits, and non-conformance actions to drive continuous improvement in technical and quality systems.
* Collaborate with the NPD team on product innovation.
* Review and enhance department procedures to improve efficiency.
* Lead, engage, and nurture the Technical, Quality, and Hygiene teams, establishing roles and responsibilities.
* Support team resource needs, recruiting and onboarding Technical, Quality, and Hygiene team members.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
* Proven experience working in a senior technical role within the food manufacturing industry is essential.
* Demonstrable technical expertise supported by a relevant qualification such as a degree in food science or food safety qualification.
* Experience of leading third-party/customer audits.
* Expert in implementing and monitoring food safety and quality policies.
* Skilled in driving continuous technical improvement and managing quality assurance teams.
* Strong communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships at all levels.
* Excellent leadership skills with the ability to engage and develop teams.
* Strong customer focus with a commitment to customer satisfaction.
* IT literate including Outlook, Excel, and Word.
* High standards of numeracy and literacy.
* High levels of organisation, attention to detail, and collaboration skills.
* Ability to work at pace and manage multiple deadlines.