Technical Manager

Technical Manager – Food Manufacturing Salary: £50,000 – £55,000 Location: Erith, Kent (DA8) Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00am – 4:30pm (flexible start available) About the Company This is an opportunity to join a well-established, family-run food manufacturing business with around 30 employees, specialising in dairy-free yogurts and soft cheeses made from 100% natural ingredients. Operating since 2011, the business supplies leading plant-based brands and has recently secured a major retail contract within the Marks & Spencer Plant Kitchen range, working to the highest food safety and quality standards. The business operates two separate manufacturing facilities: One dedicated to nut-based products One allergen-free facility for coconut-based and free-from products The Role We are seeking an experienced Technical Manager from a food manufacturing background to take full ownership of all technical, quality, and food safety activities across the business. This is a senior, hands-on role within a short shelf-life food environment, reporting directly to senior management. You will be responsible for ensuring all products, processes, and systems meet legal, customer, and accreditation requirements, including BRCGS, M&S, SALSA, and Organic standards. Key Responsibilities Full responsibility for food safety, quality, legality, integrity, and authenticity Day-to-day management, training, and development of the technical team Supplier Quality Assurance and management of non-conformances Ownership and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System Managing HACCP systems and traceability exercises Preparation for and leadership of internal, external, and customer audits Investigation of customer complaints, root cause analysis, and corrective actions Raw material, packaging, and finished product specification management Approval of packaging, artwork, and labelling compliance Microbiology testing oversight and results analysis Technical support for NPD and product trials Liaising with customers, suppliers, co-manufacturers, and senior leadership Managing hygiene standards, laboratory activities, and technical budgets Essential Experience & Qualifications Proven experience in a Technical / Quality / Technologist role within food manufacturing Experience with short shelf-life food products Strong working knowledge of BRCGS (M&S standards experience desirable) Degree educated in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline Excellent understanding of food legislation, suppliers, and raw materials Confident managing audits and major retail customer requirements Analytical, detail-focused, and IT proficient (Excel essential) Proactive, hands-on leadership style What’s on Offer Competitive salary of £50,000 – £55,000 Senior, influential role within a growing food manufacturing business Opportunity to work within the expanding plant-based and free-from sector Stable, Monday–Friday working hours