Job Description

We are offering a competitive salary for this role depending on experience

Join a Company That Cares - Traditional Norfolk Poultry (TNP)

At Traditional Norfolk Poultry (TNP), we're proud to be the UK's leading producer of free-range and organic chickens and turkeys. For over 30 years, we've built a reputation for exceptional quality, high welfare standards, and sustainable farming. From supplying top restaurants to major retailers, we stay true to our roots--raising and preparing every bird with care, respect, and dedication.

We're passionate about what we do--and we're looking for like-minded people to join our friendly, growing team in the heart of Norfolk.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Technical Manager (Customer Facing) to lead our external technical relationships and customer compliance activity within our BRCGS and Red Tractor accredited poultry processing operation in Norfolk.

Working in close partnership with our Production-Facing Technical Manager, this role will have primary responsibility for customer standards and technical communication, ensuring customer requirements are clearly translated into effective site-level controls and continuous improvement actions.

You will act as the point of contact for retailers, third-party auditors and certification bodies, co-leading customer audits and visits, managing technical specifications and ensuring alignment between customer expectations and site capability. This is a highly visible role requiring strong technical credibility, clear communication and the ability to influence cross-functional teams.

The successful candidate will have strong experience within poultry or food manufacturing, a detailed working knowledge of BRCGS Food Safety, Red Tractor, FSA/DEFRA legislation and retailer standards, and a collaborative approach to working with production, quality, hygiene and supply chain teams.

This role plays a critical part in protecting customer confidence, maintaining accreditation, and supporting the business's reputation for food safety, quality, legality and animal welfare.

Key Responsibilities

Customer & Stakeholder Management

Act as the primary technical contact for key customers (retail, foodservice, and processors) Lead customer technical meetings, site visits, and factory tour Build strong, credible relationships with customer technical teams Ensure customer requirements, codes of practice, and specifications are fully understood and implemented Communicate technical risk clearly and professionally, balancing customer expectations with operational capability

Food Safety, Quality & Compliance

Hold joint responsibility for the site's Food Safety Management System (FSMS) Ensure compliance with BRCGS Food Safety Standard, customer standards, and UK food legislation Lead and review HACCP systems, validations, and verifications Oversee allergen, foreign body, traceability, and product integrity controls Lead incident management, including product withdrawals and recalls where required

Audits & Governance

Co-Lead and host BRCGS, customer, regulatory, and internal audits Ensure audit readiness and timely close-out of corrective actions Liaise with FSA, DEFRA, and Official Veterinarians as required Monitor legislative and standard changes and assess business impact

Specifications & Change Control

Own customer and internal product specifications, labelling, and approvals Manage change control processes and customer sign-off

Team Leadership & Culture

Lead, develop, and motivate the Technical / QA team Set clear objectives, manage performance, and build succession capability Promote a strong food safety and quality culture across the site

Cross-Functional Working

Work closely with Operations, NPD, Engineering, Hygiene, and Supply Chain Support continuous improvement and right-first-time initiatives Provide clear, risk-based technical advice to senior leadership

Reporting

Prepare and present technical performance reports, KPIs, and customer updates Escalate risks and non-conformances appropriately with clear recommendations

What We're Looking For

Essential:

Proven experience as a Technical Manager in poultry, meat, or high-risk food manufacturing Strong customer-facing experience with major UK retailer customers In-depth knowledge of BRCGS Food Safety Standard HACCP Level 3 or above Experience leading audits and managing complex customer requirements Strong understanding of UK food law and regulatory frameworks Confident communicator able to influence at senior level

Desirable:

Experience managing multiple customer accounts Expert in BRC Global Standards and customer Codes of Practice Strong understanding of customer portals and retailer requirements Strong retailer-facing experience at Technologist or Management level Customer-focused with high personal integrity Proven experience in a Technical Manager or senior technical role within food manufacturing Background in fresh produce or chilled food manufacturing is highly desirable Strong knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP, and customer audit requirements Confident communicator with the ability to influence at all levels

Qualifications

UK Driving licence, your own transport is essential due to our rural locations Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related discipline desirable but not essential Lead Auditor qualification desirable but not essential

Personal Attributes

Credible, confident, and professional with customers Calm and decisive under pressure Commercially aware and solutions-focused Excellent written and verbal communication skills High integrity with a strong commitment to food safety

What We Offer

Competitive salary reviewed regularly. Colleague discounts on our award-winning poultry products. Supportive, friendly team environment. Discounted gym membership. Free onsite parking. Workplace Company Pension Scheme. 28 days annual leave, inclusive of public holidays. Increasing by one day each year of service up to a maximum of 33 days. A key role in a successful and growing agricultural business Contribution to an ethical, sustainable business you can be proud of

Location & Hours

Based in Shropham, Norfolk; your own transport is essential due to rural location
Full-time Monday to Friday 08:00 - 17:00 (42.5 Hours per week)

This role is not offered as remote or hybrid.

Pay

Competitive Salary Depending on Experience

Ready to Join Us?

If you are an experienced Technical Manager with a strong customer focus and a passion for food safety, quality and compliance, we would welcome your application. This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role within a BRCGS and Red Tractor accredited poultry processing business, working closely with our production-facing Technical Manager to protect customer confidence and drive continuous improvement across the site.

Applications will be reviewed as they arrive--apply now and help shape a workplace where people feel valued, respected and supported to succeed.

TNP Ltd is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

Additional leave Company pension Employee discount Free parking Gym membership On-site parking Referral programme
Experience:

BRCGS, HACCP & Customer Audit Requirement: 1 year (preferred) customer facing with UK retailer: 1 year (preferred) Technical Management: 2 years (preferred)
Language:

English (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person