Technical Manager

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne

I'm currently supporting a well-established and growing food manufacturing business in the search for an experienced Technical Manager to join their leadership team.

This business has a strong reputation for quality, customer service, and technical excellence. Following continued investment and growth, they are seeking a hands-on technical leader who can drive standards, strengthen customer relationships, and play a key role in shaping the future direction of the business.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious technical professional looking to take ownership of the technical function within a dynamic manufacturing environment.

The Opportunity

You will be the key technical contact for customers, suppliers, auditors, and internal stakeholders, ensuring the business maintains the highest standards while supporting continued commercial growth.

Key Responsibilities

* Lead and manage the technical function, ensuring all products are safe, legal, and compliant with customer and legislative requirements.

* Maintain compliance with BRCGS standards and customer-specific requirements, ensuring audit readiness at all times.

* Develop and lead a capable technical team, creating a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.

* Build strong relationships with retail and food service customers, acting as the senior technical representative for the business.

* Drive a quality-first culture throughout the manufacturing operation through visible leadership and regular factory engagement.

* Manage supplier quality and technical performance across an international supply base.

* Oversee technical systems including specifications, traceability, complaints, internal audits, supplier approval, and KPI reporting.

* Lead the business's sustainability and corporate responsibility activities in line with customer expectations.

* Produce regular management reporting and provide technical leadership at senior management meetings.

* Contribute to wider business strategy, operational improvement, and commercial decision-making.

About You

* Proven experience in a site technical leadership role within food manufacturing.

* Strong knowledge of BRCGS standards and UK retailer requirements.

* Demonstrable success leading customer and third-party audits.

* Experience managing customer technical relationships across retail and/or food service channels.

* Strong understanding of supplier management and quality assurance within complex supply chains.

* A visible and engaging leader who enjoys spending time within the factory environment.

* Commercially aware with the ability to balance technical excellence and business objectives.

* Pragmatic, resilient, and solutions-focused, with a proactive approach to problem solving.

Why Apply?

This role offers the opportunity to join a successful and growing business where technical excellence is genuinely valued and where the successful candidate will have significant influence across the operation.

Working closely with an experienced leadership team, you will have the autonomy to shape technical strategy, drive continuous improvement, and contribute directly to the next stage of the company's growth.

For a confidential discussion or to learn more about this opportunity, please get in touch