The company
Nigel Wright are currently working with a long-established UK manufacturing business to recruit a Senior Technical Manager. This is a large, complex site with long-term partnerships with major retailers and B2B customers, and is recognised for consistent quality, operational excellence, and a commitment to continuous improvement. The broad product portfolio supports year-round customer demand and requires a highly capable technical function to maintain industry-leading standards.

The role
We are seeking an experienced Senior Technical Manager to lead the technical strategy and governance across a large, high-volume manufacturing site. This senior leadership role is responsible for food safety, quality, integrity, and compliance, ensuring all products meet both legislative requirements and the high expectations of premium retail partners.

You will lead a multifunctional team, including Quality Managers, Technical Services, QMS, Raw Materials, Hygiene and Process functions. This is a highly visible leadership role, requiring a proactive, influential technical expert who can balance operational oversight with customer engagement and long-term strategic development.

Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership & Compliance*Own the site technical strategy, ensuring full compliance with all legislative, retailer and audit standards.
*Oversee all technical activities including HACCP, auditing, QMS, specifications, hygiene, GMP, and product safety.
*Ensure robust operating procedures, evidence-based decision-making, and best-practice technical governance.
*Maintain and strengthen customer confidence through clear communication, technical accuracy, and fast, decisive action.

Customer Engagement*Act as the technical lead for customer relationships, managing customer scrutiny, and retailer expectations.
*Drive the technical agenda with customers, ensuring transparency, credibility, and professional excellence.

Team Leadership & Development*Lead, stabilise, and develop a large technical function with varying levels of experience.
*Coach and mentor team members, strengthening capability, succession, and performance across all disciplines.
*Ensure regular performance reviews, training updates, and consistent team standards.

Operational Excellence*Be a regular presence on the factory floor, ensuring high standards of hygiene, process control, and GMP.
*Oversee the validation of manufacturing processes and the integrity of product safety systems.
*Support continuous improvement, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration across the site.

Strategic & Commercial Impact*Oversee departmental budgets, ensuring efficient use of resources and timely reporting of variances.
*Provide technical input into new and existing product development, including critical path management, artwork, verification, and product launch readiness.
*Contribute to broader business projects including process improvement, technology development, value engineering, and sustainability.

The candidate
We are looking for experienced technical leader with a track record of operating in complex, high-volume manufacturing environments. You will bring strong technical depth, customer credibility, and the ability to lead both strategy and day-to-day execution.

Essential Experience & Skills:*Leadership experience in technical roles within food manufacturing.
*Experience in complex chilled/short-shelf-life products.
*Strong understanding of retailer codes of practice, audit standards and technical governance.
*Proven ability to manage high customer expectations and detailed compliance requirements.
*Strong communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
*Demonstrated capability in leading and developing large teams.
*Experience driving cultural change and technical excellence.

Qualifications:*Degree in Food Science, Technology, Microbiology, or similar (preferred).
*HACCP Level 4
*Food Safety Level 4
*Lead Auditor qualification
*Additional technical or continuous improvement qualifications advantageous.