Technical Manager

Technical Manager

Salary

£50-52k

Location

Somerset

Reporting to

Chief Operating Officer

Direct Reports

Quality Team Leader, NPD Manager

Overview

A growing and dynamic manufacturing business within the nutrition and health products sector is seeking a Technical Manager to lead quality, food safety, and product development activities.

This is a pivotal role responsible for ensuring all products meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and compliance, while supporting innovation and new product development in line with customer and market requirements. The role will operate within a highly regulated environment, maintaining top-tier audit standards (e.g. BRCGS AA+).

Key Responsibilities

Quality & Food Safety Leadership

Lead and continuously improve the Quality Management System (QMS) and HACCP framework

Ensure full compliance with food safety, legal, and customer requirements

Maintain and uphold high-level audit standards (e.g. BRCGS), including audit readiness and execution

Act as the primary contact for customer and third-party audits, managing outcomes and corrective actions

Drive internal audit programmes and continuous improvement initiatives

Technical & Customer Support

Provide expert technical guidance to customers on product application, formulation, and compliance

Act as a key interface between customers, suppliers, and internal teams on all technical matters

Support and advise on food safety, hygiene, GMP, and best practice across manufacturing

New Product Development (NPD)

Lead technical input into NPD from concept through to factory scale-up

Support trials, validation, and successful launch of new products

Oversee artwork approval and ensure compliance with regulatory and customer requirements

Supplier & Compliance Management

Manage supplier approval processes and conduct supplier audits where required

Maintain raw material and finished product specifications

Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and industry standards

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with production, operations, and commercial teams to ensure delivery of safe, compliant, and high-quality products

Support alignment between customer expectations and operational capability

Leadership & Team Development

Lead, coach, and develop a growing technical and quality team

Set clear objectives, KPIs, and development plans aligned to business goals

Drive a high-performance, quality-focused culture across the organisation

Skills & Experience

Essential

Proven experience in a Technical or Quality leadership role within food or nutrition manufacturing

Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and quality management systems

Experience managing customer and third-party audits

In-depth understanding of food legislation, compliance, and manufacturing standards

Strong leadership and team development capability

Desirable

Experience in senior technical leadership roles

Exposure to product development and retail or international standards

Knowledge of ISO standards (e.g. ISO14001, ISO45001)

Qualifications

Degree in Food Science, Food Safety, or a related discipline

HACCP Level 4

Food Safety Level 4

Lead Auditor qualification (desirable)

Personal Attributes

Results-driven with a strong focus on quality and continuous improvement

Highly organised with strong attention to detail

Confident decision-maker with excellent problem-solving skills

Strong communicator, able to influence at all levels

Proactive, hands-on, and adaptable approach

Collaborative team player with a professional mindset