Technical Manager – Food Manufacturing
Salary: £50,000 – £55,000
Location: Erith, Kent (DA8)
Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00am – 4:30pm (flexible start available)
About the Company
This is an opportunity to join a well-established, family-run food manufacturing business with around 30 employees, specialising in dairy-free yogurts and soft cheeses made from 100% natural ingredients. Operating since 2011, the business supplies leading plant-based brands and has recently secured a major retail contract within the Marks & Spencer Plant Kitchen range, working to the highest food safety and quality standards.
The business operates two separate manufacturing facilities:
One dedicated to nut-based products
One allergen-free facility for coconut-based and free-from products
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Technical Manager from a food manufacturing background to take full ownership of all technical, quality, and food safety activities across the business. This is a senior, hands-on role within a short shelf-life food environment, reporting directly to senior management.
You will be responsible for ensuring all products, processes, and systems meet legal, customer, and accreditation requirements, including BRCGS, M&S, SALSA, and Organic standards.
Key Responsibilities
Full responsibility for food safety, quality, legality, integrity, and authenticity
Day-to-day management, training, and development of the technical team
Supplier Quality Assurance and management of non-conformances
Ownership and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System
Managing HACCP systems and traceability exercises
Preparation for and leadership of internal, external, and customer audits
Investigation of customer complaints, root cause analysis, and corrective actions
Raw material, packaging, and finished product specification management
Approval of packaging, artwork, and labelling compliance
Microbiology testing oversight and results analysis
Technical support for NPD and product trials
Liaising with customers, suppliers, co-manufacturers, and senior leadership
Managing hygiene standards, laboratory activities, and technical budgets
Essential Experience & Qualifications
Proven experience in a Technical / Quality / Technologist role within food manufacturing
Experience with short shelf-life food products
Strong working knowledge of BRCGS (M&S standards experience desirable)
Degree educated in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline
Excellent understanding of food legislation, suppliers, and raw materials
Confident managing audits and major retail customer requirements
Analytical, detail-focused, and IT proficient (Excel essential)
Proactive, hands-on leadership style
What’s on Offer
Competitive salary of £50,000 – £55,000
Senior, influential role within a growing food manufacturing business
Opportunity to work within the expanding plant-based and free-from sector
Stable, Monday–Friday working hours