The company
Nigel Wright are pleased to be partnering with a major European food producer with a long heritage in supplying the UK market. The business has recently moved supply into large-scale retail own-label production, supported by significant investment in a new, highly automated facility.

The site has undergone a large period of change, and now has robust systems and processes in place. With this in mind they are looking to hire a Technical Manager who is people orientated and thrives in a collaborative environment, working across all functions.

The role
The Technical Manager provides site-level leadership for food safety, quality and compliance, acting as the guardian of standards and the driver of technical capability. A key objective is to provide stable, credible leadership on site, partnering closely with the Site Director and Operations Manager to embed accountability, elevate behaviours, and foster a mature, solution-focused culture.

Key responsibilities include:
*Own and lead the full Food Safety & Quality Management System, ensuring compliance with BRC and major retailer standards.
*Lead and develop the technical and QA teams across both shifts, building capability in first-line leaders.
*Act as the primary technical counterpart to Operations, collaborating to address issues, embed understanding, and drive sustainable improvements.
*Maintain audit readiness at all times; personally lead BRC and customer audits.
*Oversee complaints, non-conformances and corrective/preventive action management.
*Manage traceability, due diligence, validations, risk assessments, environmental/product/water sampling and pest control.
*Be a visible, hands-on presence in the factory, supporting practical problem solving and demonstrating the expected leadership style.
*Contribute technical leadership into future site growth.


What we are looking for:
*Strong background as a Technical Manager (or equivalent) within food manufacturing.
*Experience leading BRC and major UK retailer audits; background in high-volume FMCG desirable.
*Comfortable balancing technical standards with operational and commercial realities.
*Confident working across Operations, Engineering and NPD/Innovation.

Leadership style:
*Authentic, grounded, self-aware leadership style.
*Strong people manager able to coach and develop first-line leaders.
*Collaborative and solutions-focused; works with Operations as a partner.
*Resilient, calm under pressure, and motivated by a fast-paced environment.
*Demonstrates alignment to the organisation’s leadership principles.