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: (url removed)