Technical Manager (food safety & quality)

The Oval Partnership is currently supporting a leading food manufacturer to recruit a Site Technical Manager as part of their Senior Leadership team.

Part of a larger European food group with a portfolio of products in the organic, fairtrade and sustainable nutrition space; the successful site Technical Manager will be responsible for leading the Quality, Food Safety and Regulatory team to build a proactive, quality culture enabling operational excellence and growth throughout their operations.

Key Responsibilities of the Technical Manager include:

• Strategic Leadership: Sit on the Site Leadership Team, driving a site-wide quality culture where safety, authenticity, and legality are owned across every department.
• Systems & Standards: Maintain and continuously improve the site’s Quality Management System (QMS) and HACCP programs to exceed industry, customer, and regulatory standards.
• Audits & Certifications: Lead site governance, successfully maintaining high-level certifications 
• Continuous Improvement: Drive Right First Time (RFT) principles, using data-driven root cause analysis to reduce consumer complaints, non-conformances, and cost of poor quality (COPQ).
• Supplier & Customer Assurance: Manage technical relationships with key retail customers, external regulatory bodies, and raw material suppliers.
• Team Capability: Coach, mentor, and build capability within the QA function, establishing clear succession plans and delivering cross-site technical training.

What We Are Looking For

Essential Experience & Knowledge:

• Proven track record in a Technical / Quality Leadership role within an FMCG food manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience holding BRCGS (Grade AA/A) or IFS (Higher Level) certifications.
• In-depth expertise in Food Safety Management Systems, HACCP, Food Legislation, Root Cause Analysis, and Retailer Standards.
• Strong cross-functional leadership skills with the ability to influence and coach at all levels.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline.
• Level 4 HACCP and Level 4 Food Safety certifications.
• Lead Auditor qualification.

Leadership Mindset:

• Agile & Collaborative: Able to adapt quickly, make clear decisions, and keep processes simple.
• Commercial & Courageous: Demonstrates high personal integrity and data-driven decision-making, with the courage to advocate for consumer safety and product quality.
• Sustainability-Driven: Passionate about ethical, organic, and sustainable food manufacturing.

Applications via CV, please note our client is not able to offer Visa sponsorship. Candidates are required to have full and permanent rights to live and work in the UK.

*Location, site based 1day WFH – Somerset / Dorset border, commutable from: Bridgwater, Street, Yeovil, Taunton, Honiton, Ilminster, Crewkerne, Chard, Dorchester, etc