Job Description:

Head of Technical

Location: Poole, Dorset
Job Type: Permanent

The Role

We are recruiting for an experienced Head of Technical to join a successful and growing food manufacturing business based in Holton Heath, Dorset.

This is a senior leadership position with responsibility for the technical function and the development and delivery of the company's technical strategy.

Working closely with the Senior Management Team, Operations, Production, NPD and Procurement, you will ensure the highest standards of food safety, quality, regulatory compliance and product integrity are maintained across the business.

The role will also play an important part in supporting business growth, product development, continuous improvement and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the technical function, including resource planning, budgeting and team performance.

• Develop and implement the company's technical strategy in line with wider business objectives.

• Maintain robust food safety, quality and technical systems across the manufacturing operation.

• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, customer requirements and industry standards.

• Champion GMP and HACCP standards throughout the business.

• Manage internal, external, customer and certification audits.

• Oversee technical documentation, specifications, testing and product compliance.

• Manage non-conformances, complaints, investigations and corrective actions.

• Lead supplier approval, technical assessment and ongoing supplier performance.

• Provide technical support throughout NPD, trials and product launches.

• Drive continuous improvement across quality, food safety and manufacturing processes.

• Identify and manage technical risks across products, processes and suppliers.

• Support sustainability and waste-reduction initiatives.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers and external stakeholders.

• Train, develop and build a high-performing technical team, including succession planning.

About You

The successful candidate will have significant technical experience within a food manufacturing environment and previous experience operating at Technical Manager, Senior Technical Manager, Head of Technical or a similar level.

You will have strong knowledge of food safety, quality systems, GMP, HACCP and regulatory compliance, together with experience managing audits, technical investigations, suppliers and customer requirements.

Experience within bakery, FMCG, chilled food or another regulated food manufacturing environment would be advantageous.

You will also need strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels and balance technical requirements with commercial and operational priorities.

A relevant qualification in Food Science, Food Technology, Quality or a related discipline would be desirable.

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced technical professional to join a growing food manufacturing business and take ownership of its technical strategy and function.

You will have significant influence across food safety, quality, NPD and continuous improvement, while working as part of the Senior Management Team.

Apply now for further information and a confidential discussion about the position.