Technical Manager, Americas

We’re hiring a Technical Manager, Americas Location

Houston, Texas

Permanent

We’re En Route. We’re a welcoming bunch, with a down-to-earth outlook that helps build lasting relationships with customers and colleagues alike.

As global specialists in passenger solutions, supply chain services and sourcing for airlines and airline caterers, we operate globally as part of dnata, one of the world’s largest combined air services providers.

En Route’s expertise is one of the many reasons why we’ve enjoyed more than 20 years as a global food solutions partner, with offices in the UK, USA, Australia and UAE.

Are you ready to become part of our story?

Created by En Route colleagues, our values sit at the very heart of our business.

We are seeking an experienced Technical Manager, Americas to lead food safety, quality, compliance and supplier management across our Americas operation.

Reporting to the General Manager, Americas, with support from the Global Head of Technical, you’ll work closely with Procurement, Product Development, Operations and Commercial teams to ensure the highest standards of food safety, quality and regulatory compliance throughout the supply chain.

• Lead and continuously improve the regional Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring compliance with GFSI standards, customer requirements and food safety regulations.
• Manage supplier approval, auditing, risk assessment and performance programmes.
• Lead technical delivery of new product launches, including factory trials and first production runs.
• Develop and maintain product specifications, quality standards and technical documentation.
• Investigate non-conformances, conducting root cause analysis and implementing CAPA programmes.
• Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, CFIA, FSVP, labelling and microbiological requirements.
• Support recall readiness, incident management and audit programmes.
• Drive food safety culture and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Act as the regional technical expert, supporting customers, suppliers, tenders and audits.

• Degree (or equivalent) in Food Science, Food Technology or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in a senior Technical, Quality or Food Safety role within food manufacturing, airline catering or a similarly regulated environment.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, GFSI, FDA and CFIA requirements.
• Experience managing supplier approval programmes, audits, risk assessments and supplier performance.
• Experience leading new product launches, factory trials and first production runs.
• Experience developing and maintaining product specifications, quality standards and technical documentation.
• Good understanding of food manufacturing processes, ingredient functionality and shelf-life requirements.
• Experience managing non-conformances, root cause analysis and CAPA programmes.
• Knowledge of North American food legislation, labelling requirements and regulatory compliance.
• Familiarity with crisis management, product recalls and incident response procedures.
• Experience working cross-functionally with Procurement, Product Development, Operations, Supply Chain and Commercial teams.
• Willingness to travel across North America and internationally as required.
• Lead Auditor qualification or equivalent.
• Experience with Halal certification programmes and dietary/religious meal requirements.
• Knowledge of export compliance programmes, including CFIA and FSVP.
• Experience supporting customer audits, presentations and tender processes.

• A confident communicator who can translate technical requirements into practical solutions.
• Skilled at building relationships and influencing stakeholders.
• Comfortable challenging constructively to protect food safety, quality and…