Technical Services Manager

A leading UK food manufacturer supplying major retail customers is seeking an experienced Technical Services Manager to join its senior technical team. This is a high-profile customer-facing role responsible for managing retailer relationships, ensuring compliance with customer standards and driving continuous improvement across food safety, quality and technical performance. The successful candidate will act as a key link between customers and operational teams, ensuring that products consistently meet regulatory, legal and customer requirements while supporting business growth and technical excellence. Key Responsibilities * Manage technical relationships with major UK retail customers. * Act as the primary point of contact for customer technical queries, audits and reviews. * Ensure compliance with retailer standards, food safety requirements and relevant legislation. * Lead customer visits, technical meetings and site inspections. * Manage customer complaints, investigations and corrective action programmes. * Oversee technical aspects of product launches, specification changes and continuous improvement projects. * Monitor and report on technical KPIs, customer performance metrics and compliance trends. * Support internal, customer and third-party audits. * Work closely with Quality, Operations, NPD and Supply Chain teams to drive technical performance. * Lead root cause investigations and implement preventative actions. * Support the development and implementation of technical strategies aligned to business objectives. * Coach and develop members of the technical team. Candidate Profile We are interested in speaking with candidates who have: * Experience in a Technical Services, Customer Technical, Technical Manager or Quality Manager position within food manufacturing. * Strong knowledge of retailer standards, BRCGS requirements, HACCP and food legislation. * Experience working directly with major UK retailers. * Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. * A proven track record of managing customer relationships and delivering successful audit outcomes. * Strong problem-solving and continuous improvement capabilities. * The ability to influence and build relationships at all levels of the business. What's on Offer * Opportunity to join a market-leading food manufacturing business. * High level of customer exposure and strategic responsibility. * Supportive and collaborative technical leadership team. * Competitive salary, bonus and benefits package. * Excellent opportunities for career progression and professional development