Technical Manager

Kent | -50,00055,000 (DOE) | Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm (flexibility required)

Are you an experienced Technical professional with a strong background in fresh produce? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment where food safety, quality, and compliance are at the heart of the business?

We are looking for a Technical Manager to support a Head of Technical and play a key role in maintaining the highest standards across site, suppliers, and customers.

The Role

As Technical Manager, you will be responsible for supporting the technical function across customer, supplier, and site operations. This is a varied role that combines customer specification management, audit leadership, compliance oversight, and team collaboration.

You''ll be a key driver in ensuring compliance with industry standards including BRCGS and Red Tractor, while fostering a strong food safety culture throughout the business.

Key Responsibilities

Customer & Product Management

• Manage and maintain product specifications and customer requirements
• Maintain temporary specification trackers and customer platforms
• Oversee supplier approvals and due diligence documentation
• Investigate and resolve complaints and product rejections
• Support QC operations in the absence of the Quality Manager
• Conduct third-party packing facility visits as required
• Approve labels for packed-at-source products
• Liaise with at-source technical teams and travel when required
• Conduct benchmarking and GAP analysis

Site & Compliance

• Lead the on-site HACCP Team (Level 3 minimum required)
• Manage internal audits (GMPs), non-conformances, and corrective actions
• Maintain and update site policies and procedures relating to food safety, legality, quality, and authenticity
• Prepare and lead monthly SMM meetings, analysing technical data
• Host third-party audits (BRCGS, Red Tractor, LEAF)
• Maintain systems aligned with BRCGS and Red Tractor standards
• Identify and organise training needs, maintaining accurate training records
• Promote and embed a strong food safety culture

About You

To succeed in this role, you will have:

• Essential experience within fresh produce (fruit & veg)
• Strong working knowledge of food safety, quality systems, and QMS
• HACCP Level 3 (minimum)
• Experience working with retail customers
• In-depth knowledge of BRCGS standards and customer complaint management
• Excellent IT skills (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Strong organisational skills with a methodical and detail-focused approach
• Ability to prioritise effectively in a deadline-driven environment
• A full UK driving licence (essential)
• Spanish language skills (desirable)

Working Environment

• Primarily office-based in Sidcup
• Collaborative, team-focused culture
• Fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail required

Why Join?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing business where you''ll have real influence over technical standards, customer relationships, and compliance performance. You''ll work closely with senior leadership and play a pivotal role in maintaining excellence across the supply chain.

If you are a proactive, driven Technical professional ready for your next challenge, we''d love to hear from you.