Technical Manager in Kent

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Technical Manager to join a growing and well-established food manufacturing business specialising in fresh produce.

This is a particularly exciting time to join the business, with the recent opening of a new production site forming part of its wider expansion plans. With the operation continuing to grow and an increasing number of production lines being introduced, this role offers the opportunity to take the lead in establishing, developing and maintaining technical, quality and food safety standards at a new site.

You will have real ownership and influence, working closely with senior management, production teams, suppliers, customers and external auditors to ensure the site operates to the highest standards. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys building systems, developing teams and supporting a growing manufacturing operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the site's Technical and Quality function, maintaining and continuously improving the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Develop and implement food safety, quality and product integrity systems to ensure compliance with legal, BRC and customer requirements.
• Conduct gap analyses against relevant standards and identify opportunities for improvement across the operation.
• Lead and support internal, external and customer audits, including hosting auditors, coordinating site tours and presenting technical documentation.
• Manage supplier and contractor approval processes, ensuring all due diligence, compliance documentation and records are accurate and up to date.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customer technical teams, acting as a key point of contact for technical and quality-related queries.
• Oversee food safety systems, product specifications, document control and technical records, ensuring information remains accurate and compliant.
• Manage microbiological and pesticide testing schedules, reviewing results and ensuring any issues are appropriately investigated and resolved.
• Monitor customer service levels, complaints and product rejections, conducting root cause analysis and implementing effective corrective and preventative actions.
• Support the introduction and expansion of production lines, ensuring appropriate technical controls, procedures and food safety standards are established as the operation grows.
• Work collaboratively with operational teams to promote a strong food safety and quality culture throughout the business.

About You

• Previous experience in a Technical, Quality Assurance or Quality Management role within the food manufacturing or fresh produce industry.
• Strong understanding of food safety legislation, customer requirements and relevant industry standards.
• Food Safety qualification and HACCP Level 3 (minimum).
• Previous team management experience, with the ability to support, motivate and develop colleagues.
• Strong understanding of Quality Management Systems, audit processes and technical compliance.
• Experience supporting site development, production expansion or implementing technical systems would be advantageous.
• Excellent IT skills, particularly Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Analytical and strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and investigation skills.
• Highly organised, with the ability to prioritise workloads and manage competing deadlines.
• Confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• A proactive, collaborative approach with the confidence to work independently and take ownership of responsibilities.

Desirable:

• Previous experience within the fresh produce or fruit industry.
• Internal Auditor or Lead Auditor qualification.
• Knowledge of major retailer technical standards and customer codes of practice.