Job Description

Fixed Term Technical Services Manager (Maternity Cover)

Cranswick Convenience Foods - Milton Keynes

Reporting to: Technical Manager
Team: Responsible for the Technical Services team of 9, with 2 direct reports, working within a wider Technical & QA department of 30
Fixed Term Contract | Full Time
Competitive Salary + Excellent Benefits + Career Development

Drive quality, lead with purpose, and help shape the future of food safety at Cranswick Milton Keynes.

Cranswick is one of the UK's leading food producers, known for quality, innovation, and integrity. At our

Milton Keynes site

, we're not just feeding the nation - we're setting new standards in sustainability, compliance, and operational excellence.

We're looking for an experienced and motivated

Fixed Term Technical Services Manager

to lead our Technical Services team and ensure that our site remains at the forefront of food safety, quality, and customer confidence.

Why Join Us?

?

Deliver Real Impact

Your work will directly support Cranswick's bold ambitions: becoming Europe's largest sliced cooked meat producer, achieving Net Zero, and giving back to the local community.

?

Lead a High-Performing Team

You'll have full responsibility for a dedicated Technical Services team of 9, including 2 direct reports, working in close collaboration with our wider QA and Technical department.

?

Develop & Be Developed

We champion continuous learning--whether that's leadership coaching or formal qualifications like HACCP Level 4, we'll invest in your professional growth.

?

A Culture That Values People

We foster respect, ownership, and teamwork. Our values aren't just words--they shape how we lead, communicate, and succeed together.

?

Play a Key Role in Compliance Excellence

From artwork approval and specification management to site KPIs and audit prep, you'll help drive BRC AA+ and top-tier retailer standards.

What You'll Be Doing

Lead and support the Technical Services team, driving performance and engagement. Act as a key member of the

site HACCP team

, ensuring food safety and legislative compliance to Codex principles and customer requirements. Manage retailer and internal specification systems and oversee artwork approval processes. Take ownership of KPI reporting, root cause investigations, and preventive action plans. Support third-party audits and customer visits with confidence and technical authority. Collaborate cross-functionally with QA, NPD, Process, and Production to deliver operational success. Lead or contribute to independent technical projects with cross-site and strategic value. Stay ahead of industry standards, customer COPs (Tesco, M&S), and regulatory requirements.

What You'll Bring

A recognised qualification in Food Science/Technology (HNC minimum, ideally Degree level). Experience in chilled high-risk food manufacturing, ideally in a Senior QA or Compliance role. Strong knowledge of BRC, HACCP, allergen and listeria controls, and major retailer standards. Confidence with data systems including Excel and Power BI. A proven ability to lead, develop, and inspire teams with clarity and purpose.

Desirable (but trainable):

HACCP Level 4 Food Safety Level 4 Listeria Level 4 Lead Auditor certification

The Cranswick Milton Keynes Ethos:

We live by five core values that drive us every day:

We Inspire and Motivate

We Take Ownership and Empower Others

We Are Respectful, Open & Honest

We Learn From Mistakes and Celebrate Successes

We Strive to Be Better Tomorrow Than Today

At Cranswick Milton Keynes, you'll be part of a team that's passionate, purpose-driven, and committed to doing things the right way.

Health, Safety & Food Integrity

You'll be working in a high-performance food manufacturing environment. All colleagues are expected to follow Cranswick's strict safety, environmental, and food safety standards as outlined under ISO 45001, ISO 14001, and ISO 50001.

Training & Development

Cranswick is committed to your professional development. You'll have full access to operational, technical, safety and leadership training tailored to your role and future potential.

Ready to make your mark? Join a business where your work matters and your career can thrive.

Apply today to be part of Cranswick's next chapter.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to 57,860.25 per year

Benefits:

Canteen Casual dress Company pension Cycle to work scheme Free parking On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:

Milton Keynes MK4 4AE: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:

Food safety: 1 year (required) HACCP: 1 year (required) Management: 2 years (required)
Language:

Have a basic understanding of English (required)
Licence/Certification:

Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate (required) Food safety Level 3 (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person