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SalaryINTERIM Technical Manager - Ambient Food Manufacturing
Location: Cheshire
Contract: 6 months
Salary: £60—80,000 + great benefits or day rate £350-550 per day
Our global Client produces both branded and private label ambient food products for a expanding marketplace
The business has been transformed into a market leading organisation this site has had £3m of additional capital investment completed in H1 2023, the platform is there to grow from its current revenue of c.£15m per year to what we they expect to exceed £30m in under 3 years for this site. In light of this next phase of growth, a new General Manager has recently taken up appointment and they are now looking to strengthen this leadership team with a new Technical Manager.
The purpose of the role will be to drive the improvement of technical competence throughout the growth and expansion of the site. This will include the smooth introduction of new extruded & fried products and the building of trusted relationships with retailer technologists & buyers. The responsibilities will be to ensure the site meets all requirements of BRC v8 and all customer Codes of Practice. Also, to ensure the continued development and implementation of food safety and quality management strategy.
The role will require you to work closely with the site’s NPD, engineering & manufacturing teams, with UK retailer technologists, web portal technical administrators, raw material & packaging suppliers, and a range of third party entities, in the effective technical management of the site and the products manufactured.
The Technical Manager position is a key part of the site’s leadership group. As such the TM will take an active role in defining, implementing and delivering the Group Strategy.
The role
Manage the sites Quality Plan - Challenge existing Quality Systems and site practices to identify opportunities to continuously improve food safety and quality.
Measure and analyse quality and food safety metrics to identify areas of concern, track trends and demonstrate improvement. Data will include customer complaint, retailer & internal panelling, GMP auditing, process control measurement etc
Establish & continually build technical relationships with all retailers.
Communicate technical concerns, successes and trends in an impactful manner to ensure understanding at all levels of the business.
Facilitate focused improvement project work, engaging key members of the operational team.
Generate internal technical reports as part of the site`s Management Review program.
Generate external technical reports as required for retailer review.
Act as the prime site contact for customer technical visits, compliance audits, regulatory standards inspections etc
Review the sites technical structure & resources to ensure that all appropriate tasks are being performed by the relevant person at the required frequency.
Liaise with Group Technical to ensure that resources are shared wherever possible and that all reports & submissions are consistent.
Manage the sites hygiene programme, ensuring that end-of-week cleaning is adequately resourced and standards are maintained. Deep cleaning schedules must also be managed. Liaise with 3rd party cleaning contractors as required. Ensure all cleaning instructions & SOPs are in place and chemical usage is defined.
The sites allergen management system must be maintained. Risk assessment, exclusion, segregation, protection, cleaning & alibi labelling will all be considered with the introduction of new raw materials & products.
Manage the site`s pest control programme, ensuring that a suitable 3rd party monitoring & inspection regime is in place. Ensuring cleaning, storage & operational practices are maintained to discourage pests.
Lead any technical investigations, working closely with production and engineering.
Contribute to discussions regarding process & equipment changes as well as new equipment selection (Capex).
The person:
Degree level education in a food or science related discipline
Previous experience of a similar role in a fast-paced Food Manufacturing, beverages or FMCG environment
A strong Food Technology knowledge with at least Level 2 Food Safety and HACCP qualifications, preferably higher, with substantial experience of practical application.
Excellent understanding of all requirements of BRC v8 and an ability to demonstrate this
Sound understanding of retailer codes of practices
Experience of working within retailer frameworks
Capable of working effectively under challenging time constraints
A breadth of product experience would be highly advantageous.
Capable of effective collaborative working across departments.
Strong analytical skills, with the ability to take a logical and structured approach to decision making.
Tactical thought process, able to challenge convention and identify alternative ways of working.
The ideal next Technical Manager will be someone with a demonstrable track record of progress and delivery and who is keen to be part of delivering the next chapter in our story.
They will be able to adapt their style to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders of all levels
Able to handle multiple priorities and critical decision making within tight time constraints
Performs well as part of a team but capable of independent project working.
Strong, confident communication able to question and challenge existing systems & practice and influence & implement change.
A passion for continuous improvement, being able to take what is already in place and make it better.
Open, honest, and respectful approach to work with an ability to clearly communicate with others.
To apply please email your CV
