Head of Technical

Drnewitt•Middlesborough, OH

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for leading the technical and quality function across a manufacturing site, ensuring products consistently meet legal, safety, quality, and customer requirements. The role focuses on implementing technical strategy, driving continuous improvement, maintaining compliance standards, and developing strong cross-functional relationships throughout the business.

Requirements

Technical Leadership experience in food manufacturing (preferably chilled)
Strong UK retailer experience (ideally M&S, Tesco, Asda, JS)
Proven audit leadership and customer-facing capability
Commercially aware, confident and resilient in fast-paced environment
Degree or equivalent qualification in Food Science or a related discipline.
HACCP Level 3 (or equivalent).
Food Safety Level 3.
Lead Auditor qualification.
Knowledge of TACCP and food integrity principles.
Full UK driving license.

Responsibilities

Lead the site technical and quality function, ensuring high standards of food safety, legality, authenticity, and product quality.
Manage and support the technical team on a day-to-day basis, encouraging accountability, development, and continuous improvement.
Implement and support wider business technical and compliance strategies.
Work collaboratively with operational, commercial, and supply chain teams to ensure aligned decision-making and effective communication.
Establish measurable objectives for the technical department and regularly review performance against agreed targets.
Use operational and quality data to monitor site performance and identify improvement opportunities.
Develop and maintain strong customer relationships through joint quality initiatives and effective issue resolution.
Coordinate and lead customer visits, audits, product launches, and external inspections.
Maintain strong audit performance and ensure compliance with relevant standards and certifications.
Provide technical input into product development, process improvements, and manufacturing changes.
Support wider business projects and additional technical activities as required.