Job Description

The Great British Confectionery Group brings together some of the UK's most iconic sweet and chocolate brands -- including Bristows of Devon and Montezuma's Chocolates. As we continue our exciting journey of growth and innovation, we're looking for a someone with an entrepreneurial mindset to take on the role of

Technical Manager.

This is much more than just a compliance role -- you will need to think commercially, solve problems quickly, and work with and support operations directly when challenges arise. You will be able to work under pressure, be resilient and able to face challenges head-on. You will have a strong understanding of technical standards and operational knowledge. You will need to influence, inspire and collaborate with all the teams across both sites.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Directors, you will lead all technical, quality and food safety activities across Bristows (Crediton site) and Montezuma's (Birdham, Chichester site).

You must be able to work onsite at both sites throughout the whole week as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

You will safeguard our brands' reputations and ensure private label requirements are met. Lead the Technical teams across both sites, ensuring high performance and standards. Drive a culture of quality, food safety and continuous improvement. Bring a hands-on, solution-oriented approach -- ready to step in and assist our teams whenever needed. Remain calm and decisive under pressure, especially when faced with operational and technical challenges. Oversee internal and external audits (including BRC), ensuring all accreditations are maintained. Manage private label compliance -- meeting customer standards, specifications and audit requirements. Ensure supplier approval systems are robust, compliant and up to date. Work collaboratively with Operations to address and resolve production challenges. Apply pragmatic, commercially minded solutions that work in a real manufacturing environment. Own and continually improve the Group Quality Management System. Lead HACCP teams, ensuring plans are current and effectively implemented. Manage non-conformances with a focus on eliminating root causes. Lead complaint investigations, ensuring prompt and professional customer communication. Support NPD technical sign-off for both branded and private label products. Represent the business during customer visits, audits and site tours.

We're looking for:

Proven Technical leadership within food manufacturing, ideally confectionery or chocolate. Strong knowledge of

BRC

and other relevant industry standards.

Private label compliance experience

-- specifications, audits and customer requirements.

Entrepreneurial mindset

-- able to spot opportunities, improve processes and adapt to change.

Resilient and determined

-- face challenges head-on with a positive and proactive approach.

Strong leadership skills

-- inspires confidence, builds trust and motivates teams.

Hands-on operational understanding

-- able to work closely with production and assist in solving real-time challenges. Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability. Minimum Level 3 HACCP & Food Safety qualification. Excellent communication, stakeholder management and analytical skills.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

Bereavement leave Casual dress Company pension Employee discount Free parking On-site parking Referral programme Sick pay
Experience:

lead auditing: 2 years (preferred) Quality assurance: 3 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:

Level 3 Food Safety certificate (preferred) HACCP Level 3 Award (preferred)
Work Location: In person