We are seeking an experienced Technical Manager to join a dynamic technical team, driving product quality, food safety, and compliance across their fresh produce operations. You'll play a critical role in supporting both site-based and customer-facing technical activities, ensuring adherence to BRC, customer, and legal standards while fostering continuous improvement throughout the business and supply chain.

This is a hands-on, proactive role ideal for someone passionate about food safety, supplier management, and driving standards across multiple customer accounts.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Technical Director in managing day-to-day operations within the Technical Department to meet business objectives and quality standards.
• Ensure all products are manufactured to agreed internal and external specifications, working alongside the Technical Compliance team.
• Manage internal and third-party auditing programmes (BRC, customer audits), ensuring corrective and preventative actions are followed through.
• Act as the technical point of contact for customer accounts, supporting the commercial and sourcing teams.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across technical systems, processes, and product quality.
• Support supplier due diligence, ensuring efficient approval processes and adherence to all relevant pesticide legislation and food safety regulations.
• Conduct supplier and site audits (UK and overseas), following up on non-conformances and ensuring supplier compliance.
• Support APS UK growing sites with Global Gap, Red Tractor, GRASP, LEAF, and Tesco Nurture audits.
• Lead technical aspects of innovation, NPD projects, and product trials in line with customer expectations.
• Maintain up-to-date product specifications and manage KPI reporting to both internal stakeholders and customers.
• Collaborate across technical functions on group-wide projects to align quality plans and procedures.
• Ensure site adherence to HACCP, TACCP, and product safety procedures, participating in operational meetings.
• Manage and review site Quality & Safety Management Systems for continuous improvement.

About You

Essential Experience & Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years' experience in Quality Assurance / Food Manufacturing / Fresh Produce position
• Internal Auditor qualification (Lead Auditor preferred).
• HACCP Level 4 and TACCP trained.
• Working knowledge of BRCGS (Version 9) standards.
• Experience with customer compliance systems (e.g., Tesco, M&S, Aldi, Waitrose, Ocado).
• Strong IT skills - Excel, databases, and customer portals.
• Knowledge of SAP and Muddy Boots Greenlight QC platforms.
• Experience managing supplier relationships, due diligence, and auditing processes.

Desirable:

• ISO 9001 Lead Auditor trained.
• M&S Select Grower trained auditor.
• Experience working with retailer platforms such as Tesco Foods Connected, Sainsbury Evolve, Waitrose Engage.
• Experience in factory environment, ideally fresh produce/packing sites.

Why Join ?

• Be a key part of a forward-thinking technical team delivering best-in-class products to leading UK retailers.
• Work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where innovation and continuous improvement are encouraged.
• Opportunity for career development and working on high-profile customer accounts.
• Competitive salary package and benefits.

For more information please contact Luan at MorePeople on 01780 480530 or e mail luan@morepeople.co.uk

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