Technical Manager

Location: Colchester, CO6

Hours: Monday to Friday (47.5 hours per week)

About the Role:

A well-established food manufacturing business is seeking a hands-on Technical Manager to lead its operations. As Technical Manager you’ll oversee Quality, and Product Development functions to ensure product quality, food safety and customer confidence, while helping to enhance the brand and reputation of this business.

This is not an office-based role. You’ll spend the majority of their time within the operation, understanding issues first-hand, coaching colleagues and ensuring standards are consistently maintained.

Requirements:

• Valid right to work in the UK.
• Proven experience as a Senior Technical or Food Safety Manager within a food manufacturing environment, ideally with over 5 years' experience.
• Demonstrable experience managing retailer standards and relationships.
• Strong knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP, food safety systems and delivering excellent audit results.
• Experience within fresh produce or a similar food manufacturing sector; knowledge of potato quality would be advantageous.
• Strong continuous improvement mindset with a proactive, hands-on approach.
• Motivated by the opportunity to join a growing business, drive change, and play a key role in preparing the business to meet evolving customer requirements.

Benefits:

• 33 days annual leave, including bank holidays
• Enhanced sick pay after one year of service
• Pension scheme
• Staff discount on products
• Employee discount platform
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and HR support
• Free onsite parking
• PPE provided
• Uniform provided

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the Technical, Quality and Product Development functions, promoting a culture of food safety, quality and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with legal, customer and certification standards, maintaining audit readiness and product integrity.
• Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers and key stakeholders, acting as the primary technical contact.
• Oversee product development and innovation, ensuring products are safe, compliant and commercially viable.
• Partner with Operations to deliver continuous improvement, successful product launches and business objectives.
• Lead, develop and inspire high-performing Technical and Product Development teams.
• Support the wider business, providing technical guidance across manufacturing, packhouse and farming operations.