Job Description
Head of Technical – food manufacturing
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Location: Hampshire
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£80-95,000+ car allowance + bonus +excellent benefits
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A high-growth High Care food manufacturing sites in Hampshire is entering a significant expansion phase and is seeking an experienced Technical Leader to join its senior leadership team.
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The business produces a range of branded and private label ambient products for major UK retailers and international markets. Following recent capital investment and with a clear three-year growth strategy in place, the sites are positioned to substantially increase revenue and operational capability.
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To support this next stage of development, the Head of Technical is required to lead and evolve the site’s technical and quality agenda.
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The role:
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This is a senior multi-site leadership role with full accountability for food safety, quality and regulatory compliance.
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Key responsibilities include:
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Leading all sites Quality & Food Safety Strategy
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Ensuring full compliance with BRC standards and all customer Codes of Practice
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Acting as the primary contact for retailer technologists, audits and regulatory inspections
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Managing the introduction of new product lines from a technical and compliance perspective
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Driving continuous improvement across GMP, hygiene, allergen management and pest control Analysing quality and food safety metrics to identify trends and deliver measurable improvement
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Generating internal management review documentation and external customer technical reports
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Leading technical investigations in partnership with production and engineering
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Contributing to Capex discussions, process improvements and equipment selection
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Reviewing and optimising the site’s technical structure and resource deployment
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The role works closely with NPD, Engineering, Manufacturing, Commercial teams, raw material and packaging suppliers, third-party service providers and customer technical stakeholders.
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The person:
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We are seeking a technically strong leader with:
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Degree qualification in Food Science, Food Technology or a related discipline
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Demonstrable experience in a similar technical leadership role within fast-paced food manufacturing, beverages or FMCG
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Multi-site experience
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Strong practical knowledge of BRC and retailer compliance frameworks
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HACCP and Food Safety qualifications (minimum Level 2, ideally advanced)
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Experience managing complex retailer technical relationships
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Strong analytical capability and data-led decision making
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Confidence in challenging existing systems and driving improvement
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Ability to operate effectively under tight deadlines and multiple priorities
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Excellent stakeholder management across operational and commercial teams
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Clear and confident communication at all levels
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A structured, logical approach to problem solving
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A continuous improvement mindset
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Experience within ambient and fresh categories would be advantageous.
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Why Consider This Role?
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- Senior leadership influence within a growing business
- Significant retailer exposure
- Clear strategic growth trajectory
- Opportunity to shape and modernise the technical systems and agenda
- Long-term career progression potential
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This opportunity will suit an ambitious Senior Technical Manager who thrives in a growth environment and wants to play a meaningful role in delivering the next chapter of business performance.
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To apply, please email your CV in confidence to kate.hamilton@hprtalent.com
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