Technical Manager

Job Description Technical Manager (Customer Facing) Location: Shropham, Norfolk (on-site) Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience Permanent Full-TimeWe are representing a highly respected food manufacturing organisation recognised as the UK's leading producer of free-range and organic chickens and turkeys. With over 30 years of heritage, the business has built an exceptional reputation for quality, animal welfare and sustainable farming, supplying both major retailers and top restaurant groups.Passionate about doing the right thing, the company is now seeking an experienced Customer-Facing Technical Manager to play a pivotal role within its BRCGS and Red Tractor accredited poultry processing operation in Norfolk.The RoleWorking in close partnership with a Production-Facing Technical Manager, this role has primary responsibility for customer standards, external technical relationships and compliance activity. You will ensure customer requirements are clearly translated into robust site controls and continuous improvement actions.This is a highly visible role, acting as the key technical interface between customers, auditors and the site, requiring strong technical credibility, commercial awareness and the ability to influence cross-functional teams.Key ResponsibilitiesCustomer & Stakeholder ManagementAct as the primary technical contact for key retail and foodservice customersLead customer technical meetings, site visits and factory toursBuild strong, credible relationships with customer technical teamsEnsure customer specifications, codes of practice and requirements are fully implementedCommunicate technical risk clearly, balancing customer expectations with operational capabilityFood Safety, Quality & ComplianceJoint responsibility for the site Food Safety Management System (FSMS)Ensure compliance with BRCGS Food Safety, Red Tractor, UK food legislation and retailer standardsLead and review HACCP systems, validations and verificationsOversee allergen, foreign body, traceability and product integrity controlsLead incident management, including withdrawals and recalls where requiredAudits & GovernanceCo-lead and host BRCGS, customer, regulatory and internal auditsEnsure audit readiness and timely close-out of corrective actionsLiaise with FSA, DEFRA and Official Veterinarians as requiredMonitor legislative and standard changes and assess business impactSpecifications & Change ControlOwnership of customer and internal specifications, labelling and approvalsManage change control processes and customer sign-offLeadership & CultureLead, develop and motivate the Technical / QA teamSet objectives, manage performance and support succession planningPromote a strong food safety and quality culture across the siteCross-Functional Working & ReportingWork closely with Operations, NPD, Engineering, Hygiene and Supply ChainSupport continuous improvement and right-first-time initiativesPrepare and present technical KPIs, reports and customer updatesEscalate risks and non-conformances with clear, pragmatic recommendationsWhat We're Looking ForEssentialProven experience as a Technical Manager within poultry, meat or high-risk food manufacturingStrong customer-facing experience with major UK retailersIn-depth knowledge of BRCGS Food Safety StandardHACCP Level 3 or aboveExperience leading audits and managing complex customer requirementsStrong understanding of UK food law and regulatory frameworksConfident communicator able to influence at senior levelDesirableExperience managing multiple customer accountsStrong retailer portal and customer code of practice knowledgeBackground in fresh, chilled or short-shelf-life food manufacturingLead Auditor qualificationDegree in Food Science, Food Technology or related disciplinePersonal AttributesCredible, professional and confident with customersCalm, decisive and resilient under pressureCommercially aware and solutions-focusedHigh integrity with an unwavering commitment to food safety and qualityLocation & HoursBased on-site in Shropham, Norfolk (own transport essential due to rural location)Monday to Friday, 08:0017:00 (42.5 hours per week)This role is site-based and not offered as remote or hybridWhat's on OfferCompetitive salary, reviewed regularlyCompany pension scheme28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, rising to 33 with serviceDiscounted gym membershipFree on-site parkingEmployee discountsOpportunity to play a key role in a successful, ethical and growing food businessApply in ConfidencePlease send your CV in confidence to: JBRP1_UKTJ

Created: 2026-01-18