Senior Technical Manager - Fresh Produce; Customer-Facing

Overview

Senior Technical Manager - Fresh Produce (Customer-Facing). Client:
Major UK Packing & Preparation Site. Salary:
Very Competitive + Benefits. Are you a proven technical leader in fresh produce or chilled food manufacturing, ready to take ownership of a major UK site (£2m+ upgrade) supplying top UK and EU retailers? This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-profile, customer-facing role where you'll shape standards, lead a talented technical team, and represent the business at the highest level.

We're looking for a Senior Technical Manager who thrives in a fast-paced environment, builds strong retailer relationships, and drives excellence in food safety, quality, and compliance every single day.

• Leading the site technical function, including QA, hygiene, specifications, compliance teams.
• Owning the Food Safety & Quality Management System and ensuring full compliance with BRCGS, retailer COPs, and UK/EU legislation.
• Hosting and leading customer visits, audits, and technical reviews with major retailers.
• Driving continuous improvement across quality, food safety, waste reduction, and right-first-time performance.
• Managing raw material quality and working closely with growers and suppliers.
• Supporting NPD and process development to ensure safe, compliant, and commercially viable launches.
• Leading incident management, root-cause investigations, and corrective action plans.

• Senior technical or quality leadership experience within fresh produce, chilled foods, or high-care FMCG.
• Strong customer-facing experience with major UK retailers (Tesco, M&S, Sainsbury's, Aldi, Lidl, Asda, etc.).
• Deep knowledge of food safety legislation, BRCGS, and retailer Codes of Practice.
• A confident communicator who can build trust with customers and internal teams.
• A proactive, solutions-focused leader who thrives in a dynamic, seasonal environment.
• Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Agriculture, or similar (preferred but not essential).

• Lead the technical agenda at a flagship UK site.
• High visibility with major retail customers.
• Opportunity to shape standards, culture, and continuous improvement.
• Work with a passionate, collaborative team in a business that values innovation and quality.