Head of Technical

Head of Technicalð Scotland ð Senior Leadership Team PositionCompetitive salary + Car/allowance + strong pension contribution + bonus We are working in partnership with a leading UK food manufacturing business to appoint a Head of Technical for a large, complex, multi-customer manufacturing site.

This is a pivotal senior leadership appointment offering full accountability for food safety, legality, quality, and compliance across a high-volume operation supplying major UK retailers and food service customers. The business operates at significant scale and has a strong reputation for technical excellence, audit performance, and continuous improvement.ð The OpportunityAs Head of Technical, you will take ownership of the entire technical agenda for the site.

Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will sit on the Senior Leadership Team and play a key role in shaping site strategy, performance, and culture. You will act as the site’s technical authority, leading audits, maintaining retailer relationships, and ensuring the business consistently achieves the highest BRC and customer standards.

This role will suit a confident, credible technical leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoys driving structure, standards, and accountability. Key ResponsibilitiesTechnical and Regulatory LeadershipMaintain AA* BRC site standardLead preparation for and represent the site during all third-party and retailer auditsEnsure full compliance with retailer standardsOversee implementation and continuous development of food safety and quality systemsMaintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory and emerging industry risksQuality and Performance ManagementDrive improvements in customer complaints, non-conformance, and incident responseEnsure robust root cause analysis and effective corrective actionsLead KPI reporting across compliance, traceability, and quality metricsChampion a quality-first culture across all departmentsTeam and Stakeholder LeadershipLead and develop the Technical and Quality teamsManage direct reports including senior technical managers and coordinatorsAct as the primary technical contact for major UK retail customersBuild strong relationships with customers and external auditorsOperational and Strategic SupportCollaborate with Production, Engineering, Commercial, and NPD teamsSupport safe and compliant product innovationContribute to waste reduction, process improvement, and sustainability initiativesInfluence site strategy as a core member of the Senior Leadership Teamð About YouYou are an experienced senior technical professional with strong retailer exposure and the presence to operate effectively at senior leadership level.

You understand what good looks like in a regulated food manufacturing environment and can balance technical rigour with commercial awareness. You are:Strategic yet hands-onCalm under pressureCommercially aware and solutions-focusedA strong leader who develops and retains high-performing teamsComfortable with accountability and visibility Skills and Experience RequiredDegree in Food Science, Microbiology, Food Technology, or related disciplineMinimum five years’ experience in a senior technical or quality leadership role within food manufacturingExtensive auditing experience including BRCGS, HACCP, TACCP and VACCPStrong working knowledge of major UK retailer technical requirementsHACCP and Food Safety qualifications minimum Level 3, Level 4 desirableProven experience managing customer technical relationshipsð Why ApplyThis is a genuine opportunity to:Take full technical ownership of a large, complex manufacturing siteInfluence site strategy at Senior Leadership levelLead and shape technical culture and standardsWork with major UK retail customersMake a visible and measurable impactIf you are a driven, credible Head of Technical looking for your next senior leadership challenge within UK food manufacturing, we would welcome a confidential discussion. Discipline(s): Food & DrinkJob type: Permanent

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