Join the Sweetest Leadership Team in Britain!
The Great British Confectionery Groupbrings together some of the UK’s most iconic sweet and chocolate brands — including Bristows of Devonand Montezuma’s Chocolates. As we continue our exciting journey of growth and innovation, we’re looking for a strong leader with an entrepreneurial mindsetto take on the role of Head of Technical.
This is much more than a compliance role — we need someone who can think commercially, solve problems quickly, and support operations directlywhen challenges arise. You will be resilient under pressure, able to face challenges head-on, and combine a strong understanding of technical standards with in-depth operational knowledge. Above all, you will have the ability to influence and inspire teams across both sites.
About the Role
Reporting directly to the Directors, you will lead all technical, quality and food safety activities across Bristows (Crediton site) and Montezuma’s (Birdham, Chichester site). You must be able to work at both sites.
You will safeguard our brands’ reputations, ensure private label requirements are met, and work closely with Operations to keep production running smoothly and efficiently.
Key Responsibilities:
* Leadership & Strategy
* Lead the Technical teams across both sites, fostering engagement and high performance.
* Drive a culture of quality, food safety and continuous improvement.
* Bring a hands-on, solution-oriented approach — ready to step in and assist Operations when needed.
* Stay composed and decisive under pressure, facing operational and technical challenges directly.
* Compliance & Auditing
* Oversee internal and external audits (including BRC), ensuring all accreditations are maintained.
* Manage private label compliance — meeting customer standards, specifications and audit requirements.
* Ensure supplier approval systems are robust, compliant and up to date.
* Problem Solving & Operational Support
* Work collaboratively with Operations to address and resolve production challenges.
* Apply pragmatic, commercially minded solutions that work in a real manufacturing environment.
* Food Safety & Quality Systems
* Own and continually improve the Group Quality Management System.
* Lead HACCP teams, ensuring plans are current and effectively implemented.
* Manage non-conformances with a focus on eliminating root causes.
* Customer & Brand Protection
* Lead complaint investigations, ensuring prompt and professional customer communication.
* Support NPD technical sign-off for both branded and private label products.
* Represent the business during customer visits, audits and site tours.
We’re looking for:
* Proven senior Technical leadership within food manufacturing, ideally confectionery or chocolate.
* Strong knowledge of BRCand other relevant industry standards.
* Private label compliance experience— specifications, audits and customer requirements.
* Entrepreneurial mindset— able to spot opportunities, improve processes and adapt to change.
* Resilient and determined— faces challenges head-on with a positive and proactive approach.
* Strong leadership skills— inspires confidence, builds trust and motivates teams.
* Hands-on operational understanding— able to work closely with production and solve real-time challenges.
* Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability.
* Minimum Level 3 HACCP & Food Safety qualification.
* Excellent communication, stakeholder management and analytical skills.
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