Job Description

Technical Manager

Location:

Whitchurch, SY13 1TT

Department:

Operations

Reports To:

Operations Director

About the Role

We're looking for an experienced Technical Manager to join our growing team at Cheese Solutions. In this key role, you'll lead our technical and quality function, ensuring that all products meet the highest standards of food safety, quality, and compliance. You'll manage audits, drive continuous improvement, and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, customers, and regulatory bodies.

Key Responsibilities

Maintain and develop the company's Quality Management System (QMS). Lead HACCP, TACCP, and VACCP systems. Manage internal and external audits, including BRC, Halal, and customer audits. Oversee supplier approval, product testing, and raw material traceability. Handle complaints, non-conformances, and product recalls effectively. Ensure compliance with all food safety legislation and customer standards. Deliver training in food safety, hygiene, and quality awareness across teams.

About You

Proven experience in a Technical or Quality Management role within the food manufacturing sector (dairy experience advantageous). Strong knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP, and food safety regulations. Excellent attention to detail, communication, and leadership skills. Confident managing audits and maintaining documentation to the highest standard.

Why Join Us?

Be part of a respected, growing food manufacturing business. Competitive salary and working hours. Opportunities for personal development and progression.
- Oversee the approval and ongoing review of suppliers

- Handle technical and QA enquiries, including the customer's approval process and administering any specific requirements including the completion of technical & supplier questionnaires.

- Conduct the site's internal and supplier audits; host third party audits for BRC and relevant accreditations.

- Coordinate the annual HACCP and Management Review Meetings.

- Ensure the site is compliant to all relevant UK & EU food laws.

- Manage customer and supplier complaints via the non-conformance procedure; ensuring robust corrective & preventative actions are implemented

- Identify and administer requirements for inspection and external laboratory testing of ingredients, raw material and finished goods where necessary

- Interpret analysis reports including microbiological and allergenic data; managing the control of non-conforming products.

- Conduct on-site training of staff including induction, company policies and procedures.

- Drive a continuous improvement culture across all Quality Assurance and technical functions

- Execute key Quality Assurance strategies, goals and action plans to contribute to the achievement of business objectives within a fast paced, collaborative, highly matrixed environment

- Work in partnership with the Production, Supply Chain and Commercial teams across the business ensuring continuous improvement in Quality Assurance processes

- Drive and influence the continuous improvement culture throughout the team and promote a positive, progressive and collaborative working environment.

- Engage and lead team acting as coach and mentor to develop performance.

- Deliver key presentations to senior internal and external stakeholders.

- Develop and deliver a Quality Assurance strategy for the group

- Continuously collaborate with Commercial, Operations, and Finance teams

- Determine key Quality Assurance KPIs

- Suggest and implement solutions for process improvements

- Train and evaluate others

- Provide constructive feedback

- Build and maintain good relationships with vendors

- Make decisions and be able to justify those decisions if challenged

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Ideal Character

- You will be an established leader with a proven track record of delivering results across Quality Assurance with strategic capabilities as well as being hands-on, efficient and confident with technical execution.

- You will focus on the importance of talent development, including building a high performing Team.

- You will focus on the attention to detail and will maintain an organised and analytical approach to your work.

- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and build strong business relationship with diverse customer and vendor groups.

- Strength of character resolve and drive for results. Someone who enjoys working within a fast paced ever evolving organisation.

- Experience of interpreting, analysing complex data sets, with ability to translate with ease into purposeful communications.

- Experience of leading presentations to Senior Leaders and external customers.

- Demonstrate continuous improvement experience within a leadership role within a manufacturing environment.

- Experience of managing challenging situations and achieving the desired outcome.

- Pro activity, an individual who drives change and seeks opportunity for improvements.

- Focused on exceeding expectations and comfortable with working independently.

- Passionate desire to excel against demanding expectations.

- Ability to think creatively, wisely and apply your influential personality.

- A passion to take ownership and deliver as both leader and member in a winning and supportive team environment.

- Sense of ownership and pride in your performance and its impact on company's success

- Critical & Analytical thinker with problem-solving skills

- Team player

- Good time-management skills

- Great interpersonal and communication skill

Key Performance Indicators and Targets

- Ensure you are HACCP Level 3 and Food Safety Trained

- Responsible for all onsite HACCP training ensuring Production Managers have HACCP level 3 as a minimum & Food Safety. QA Leads (Line Leads) HACCP level 2 & Food Safety

- Traceability & Audits completed annually - identified non-conformances followed up with corrective actions

- All production paperwork to be signed & checked daily - discrepancies correctively actioned and followed up with relevant documentation

- Carry out Mock Recalls twice yearly

- Develop & maintain business continuity & site readiness plan

- Produce Monthly technical report - inc analysis on issues, non-conformances & key metrics

- Actively build relationships with customers - not just in response to complaints but with standard proactive communication

- Conduct supplier audits

- Develop & Deliver comprehensive QCP's & CCP's

- Create production and maintenance QA document for every product ensuring they are available for each line

- Manage and maintain calibration programme for scales, temperature Log & metal detection

- Product, maintain & deliver induction pack, for both employees & contractors

- Conduct daily GMP Audits

- 365-day BRC standard maintained

- Develop and manage inter production KPI's for quality & technical - Line Lead focus

- Glass register maintained & Audited

- Instil best practice - what are staff wearing and when

- Coach non conformant staff & issue disciplinary's where necessary

- Acknowledge all complaints with email response within 24 hours

- Conduct & complete thorough investigation for all customer complaints.

- Develop written complaints and non-conformance procedure for all companies within the group

- Implement and promote use of non-conformance system as part of CRM.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 45,000.00-60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Free parking On-site parking
Work Location: In person