Technical Manager

Location: Chadderton

Technical Manager We are recruiting for an experienced Technical Manager to take responsibility for technical, food safety, quality and compliance across a growing food manufacturing business. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will take ownership of the technical function, ensuring the business remains compliant with customer requirements, industry standards and legislation while driving continual improvement across the sites.

The Role You will be responsible for:
Managing compliance with BRC, Assured Red Tractor, LEAF, retailer standards and other customer-specific requirements. Managing and maintaining the HACCP system. Managing all customer technical portals. Completing waste, energy, carbon, packaging and other customer or accreditation audits. Developing and implementing company policies and plans to maintain compliance with standards and legislation. Ensuring all sites meet the required technical, food safety and quality standards.

Organising and booking external audits and accompanying auditors during site visits. Carrying out internal audits and managing any resulting actions. Writing and maintaining procedures, checklists, worksheets, risk assessments, policies and other technical documentation. Working with managers and site teams to identify improvements and implement changes. Training and supporting Managers, Supervisors, Team Leaders and staff to drive continual improvement. Maintaining training records and training matrices.

Updating and writing internal and customer specifications. Managing product testing to ensure food safety, legality and compliance. Developing and implementing sampling and monitoring schedules. Ensuring technical documentation is correctly maintained and retained for the required period. Ensuring product shelf life meets the required specifications. Visiting stores to verify product quality and support product and packaging development. Auditing suppliers and producing risk-based reports where required.

Liaising with customer and supplier technical departments. Managing customer audits and technical visits. Reporting quality issues, mistakes and breaches appropriately. Managing product recalls. Managing internal and external maintenance schedules. Managing customer and consumer complaints. Providing out-of-hours cover when required. Supporting the wider business with absence cover and other reasonable requirements. About You You will have previous experience in a Technical, Quality or Food Safety management position within a food manufacturing environment.

You will have a strong understanding of HACCP, audits, technical standards and customer requirements, along with the confidence to work closely with site teams, customers, suppliers and external auditors. This is a hands-on role for someone who is organised, practical and comfortable taking ownership of the technical function while working closely with the Managing Director and wider management team. Key Experience Previous Technical Management experience within food manufacturing.

Strong knowledge of HACCP and food safety requirements. Experience working with BRC and retailer/customer standards. Experience managing audits and corrective actions.

Experience with product testing, specifications, complaints and recalls. Good understanding of food safety, legality and quality systems. Strong communication and organisational skills. A practical approach to problem solving and continual improvement. Flexible attitude and willingness to support the wider needs of the business.