Are you an experienced Technical professional with a strong background in fresh produce? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment where food safety, quality, and compliance are at the heart of the business?
We are looking for a Technical Manager to support a Head of Technical and play a key role in maintaining the highest standards across site, suppliers, and customers.
Dartford
£50,000-£55,000 (DOE)
Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm (flexibility required)
The Role
As Technical Manager, you will be responsible for supporting the technical function across customer, supplier, and site operations. This is a varied role that combines customer specification management, audit leadership, compliance oversight, and team collaboration.
You’ll be a key driver in ensuring compliance with industry standards including BRCGS and Red Tractor, while fostering a strong food safety culture throughout the business.
Key Responsibilities
Customer & Product Management
- Manage and maintain product specifications and customer requirements
- Maintain temporary specification trackers and customer platforms
- Oversee supplier approvals and due diligence documentation
- Investigate and resolve complaints and product rejections
- Support QC operations in the absence of the Quality Manager
- Conduct third-party packing facility visits as required
- Approve labels for packed-at-source products
- Liaise with at-source technical teams and travel when required
- Conduct benchmarking and GAP analysis
Site & Compliance
- Lead the on-site HACCP Team (Level 3 minimum required)
- Manage internal audits (GMPs), non-conformances, and corrective actions
- Maintain and update site policies and procedures relating to food safety, legality, quality, and authenticity
- Prepare and lead monthly SMM meetings, analysing technical data
- Host third-party audits (BRCGS, Red Tractor, LEAF)
- Maintain systems aligned with BRCGS and Red Tractor standards
- Identify and organise training needs, maintaining accurate training records
- Promote and embed a strong food safety culture
About You
To succeed in this role, you will have:
- Essential experience within fresh produce (fruit & veg)
- Strong working knowledge of food safety, quality systems, and QMS
- HACCP Level 3 (minimum)
- Experience working with retail customers
- In-depth knowledge of BRCGS standards and customer complaint management
- Excellent IT skills (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Strong organisational skills with a methodical and detail-focused approach
- Ability to prioritise effectively in a deadline-driven environment
- A full UK driving licence (essential)
- Spanish language skills (desirable)
Working Environment
- Collaborative, team-focused culture
- Fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail required
Why Join?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing business where you’ll have real influence over technical standards, customer relationships, and compliance performance. You’ll work closely with senior leadership and play a pivotal role in maintaining excellence across the supply chain.
If you are a proactive, driven Technical professional ready for your next challenge, we’d love to hear from you.
