Technical Manager - Food Industry
Location: Somerset
Full-time, Permanent
Are you a hands on leader with a passion for quality and food safety? Our client is looking for an experienced and driven Technical Manager to take ownership of technical and hygiene operations on site, ensuring the highest standards are consistently achieved and exceeded.
Reporting directly to the Head of Technical, you'll lead a dedicated team and play a key role in maintaining compliance, driving continuous improvement, and supporting a culture of excellence across all departments.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead the day-to-day activities of the technical and hygiene teams
Oversee and maintain HACCP, TACCP & VACCP systems
Ensure company standards are embedded across all factory areas, including production, goods-in, engineering, and process
Manage the Quality Management System (QMS)
Deliver technical training across teams, ensuring full understanding and compliance
Investigate customer complaints, implement corrective actions, and monitor trends for continuous improvement
Collaborate with production and NPD teams to validate processes and procedures
Maintain and monitor technical KPIs, working closely with the laboratory manager
Conduct QMS and GMP audits alongside departmental managers
Oversee site-wide pest control
Manage customer and third-party audits, ensuring swift resolution of actions
Review and align internal practices with BRC and customer standards
Take full responsibility for customer specification systems and supplier approval processes
Manage internal taste panels and concessions
Ideal Candidate:
We're looking for a proactive and adaptable leader with a strong background in food manufacturing. You'll be capable of working under pressure, with a positive, solutions-focused approach.
Essential:
Previous experience in a food factory environment
Solid understanding of Quality Management Systems
Knowledge of BRC standards and customer codes of practice
Excellent organisational and time management skills
Strong interpersonal and communication abilities
Attention to detail with a high level of accuracy
Degree or equivalent qualification in a food-related discipline
Desirable:
Proven experience managing technical teams
Experience with customer specification portals and supplier management
A flexible, team-focused approach with the ability to lead from the front
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone ready to take the next step in their technical career and truly make an impact. If you're ready to lead with confidence, drive standards, and help shape the future of a high-performing site, we'd love to hear from you.
As you know over here at Zest we like to do things properly and always want to keep you, the candidate in the loop. Applying to this 'one of a kind' role you give Zest permission to hold your information. If you want to know more about how Zest look after your personal information please visit our privacy policy on the website (url removed)