Head of Technical (Food manufacturing)

We are looking for a suitably qualified and experienced Technical Manager / Senior QA Manager to step into the role of Head of Technical for a growing, SME private label manufacturer of luxury food products.

As the Head of Technical, you will join the Senior Management Team (SMT) and hold a pivotal role in shaping the company’s future. You will lead the strategic technical agenda, drive long-term vision, and manage a dedicated food safety, quality and technical team ensuring the business consistently achieves the highest standards of safety, legality, and operational excellence.

The successful Head of Technical will have extensive experience in food manufacturing with proven knowledge and experience of BRCGS standards, retailer standards (ideally M&S), and compliance auditing.

You will have experience of leading and developing teams and be able to seamlessly transition from inspiring shop-floor teams to delivering high-level strategic presentations to the Board, investors, and key customers.

Key Responsibilities of the Head of Technical

• Vision & Strategy: Develop and execute a long-term technical strategy aligned with business growth, focusing on innovation, product quality, and competitive advantage.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Act as the technical liaison across business units to support market expansion, while fostering a collaborative culture between departments.
• Financial Control: Oversee the technical department’s budget, making strategic decisions on technology, equipment, and personnel investments
• Risk & Compliance: Maintain a comprehensive risk management strategy, anticipating changes in national and international regulatory landscapes to keep the business ahead of the curve.
• Compliance & Audits: Ensure the factory consistently meets and exceeds BRCGS, customer, and legal requirements, securing successful outcomes for all external audits.
• Quality & Safety Operations: Oversee factory quality agendas, shelf-life testing, laboratory testing (internal and external), and the correct handling of non-conforming products.
• Hygiene & GMP: Maintain up-to-date, rigorous cleaning and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) that align with BRCGS and customer expectations.
• NPD & Product Launches: Seamlessly sign off on paperwork and oversee new product development (NPD) launches to ensure they enter production safely, legally, and to the exact luxury specification.
• Supply Chain Integrity: Manage the approval system for all suppliers, contractors, ingredients, and packaging.
• Team Leadership: Mentor, appraise, and develop the technical and hygiene teams to build a highly motivated, efficient, and compliant workforce.