Interim Technical Manager

Site Technical ManagerNorwich Interim - 3 months - Immediate start required The roleThe Site Technical Manager will lead and champion a strong food safety and quality culture across the site, ensuring standards are embedded across both technical and operational teams. You will be accountable for ensuring compliance with customer, retailer, and certification requirements, while supporting the delivery of customer, brand, and business objectives.This role sits as part of the site leadership team and works closely with operations, commercial, and central technical functions.Key responsibilitiesLeadership and managementLead and promote cross-functional ownership of food safety and quality across the siteProvide clear leadership and direction to the technical functionContribute to site technical strategy, vision, and continuous improvementLead technical response during product incidents and recallsAct as a member of the site senior leadership team and technical leadership forumLead and maintain HACCP systems, including review and evolutionCoach, mentor, and develop technical capability across the siteStandards and complianceDrive a risk-based approach to food safety managementEnsure compliance with customer policies, retailer codes of practice, and external certificationsSet, embed, and validate GMP and factory standards through training and auditManage the internal audit programme to drive improvements in standards and qualityEnsure effective management of incidents, recalls, and traceabilityLead data-driven investigations with clear root cause analysis and sustainable corrective actionsMaintain and challenge prerequisite programmesOwn and maintain the QMS and food safety systems in line with BRC and retailer standardsLead day-to-day management of BRC and retailer audits, including close-out of non-conformancesSupport and challenge co-packers to meet accreditation and customer requirementsManage external laboratory testing programmes for raw materials and productsOversee allergen management, risk assessment, verification, and validationManage site hygiene standards, GMP audits, non-conformances, and concessionsEnsure effective investigation, communication, and reporting of customer complaintsValidate and verify shelf-life parameters for new and existing productsQuality systems and KPIsMeasure, trend, and report performance against internal and customer KPIsEnsure the QMS evolves in line with customer requirements, industry standards, and technical developmentsCustomer and stakeholder managementLead all technical aspects of customer visits and auditsBuild strong, collaborative relationships with customersDevelop and deliver robust customer quality plansEnsure customer complaints and technical queries are managed effectivelyWork closely with commercial and operational teams to manage customer requestsAbout youQualifications and experienceDegree or equivalent in Food Science or a related disciplineMinimum 10 years' experience in FMCG or a similar manufacturing environmentStrong experience leading technical teamsHACCP Level 3Experience working with retailer quality systemsBRC audit and compliance experienceProject management experienceSkills and personal qualitiesA credible and confident people leaderExcellent communication and presentation skillsStrong relationship-building capabilityHighly organised with strong attention to detailSolutions-focused with strong problem-solving skillsPassionate about developing people and building capabilityUp-to-date knowledge of food safety, quality, and consumer trendsResilient, driven, and comfortable operating in a fast-paced environmentIf this sounds like the right fit for your next career move, I'd love to speak with you! click "Apply Now" to be considered for this vacancy.The Advocate Group is a leading recruitment partner, based in the UK, to the FMCG and consumer product sectors. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.By applying for this role, you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy, which can be found on our website. Please note that The Advocate Group is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy.

Created: 2026-02-02