Technical Controller – Food / Own Brand
Harrow, London | Hybrid
35 hours per week
UK travel + occasional Europe
Are you a senior food safety & quality leader who wants real influence over a national own-brand portfolio?
We’re working with a major UK convenience retail brand to appoint a Technical Controller to lead food safety, quality assurance and compliance across their entire own-label range.
This is a high-impact, senior role where you’ll act as the guardian of the brand, setting national standards and leading the technical agenda across
multiple regions and supply chains.
What we’re looking for
Proven experience leading a QA / Technical function within food or retail
Strong background across multiple categories (chilled, ambient, frozen, non-food)
Excellent knowledge of food safety, legislation and supplier management
Comfortable operating in a matrix organisation with senior stakeholder influence
Food science or relevant technical qualification (HACCP Level 4 desirable)
Retail or own-label experience highly advantageous
What you’ll be doing
Owning food safety, QA, compliance and responsible sourcing for the national brand portfolio
Leading and developing the technical function (with direct reports)
Approving and auditing suppliers across food, non-food and packaging
Acting as the escalation point for product issues, recalls and crisis management
Ensuring compliance with UK & EU legislation (HFSS, EPR, packaging, medicines, etc.)
Working closely with internal teams, regional partners and international stakeholders
Representing the brand with enforcement authorities and external bodies
Shaping and delivering the Responsible Retailing & CSR strategy
This role blends strategy, leadership and hands-on technical expertise.
Why consider this role?
National responsibility with genuine influence
Senior leadership role within a well-established UK brand
Broad, interesting supply base and stakeholder exposure
Opportunity to shape standards, policy and long-term strategy