Assistant Technical Manager

Job Title:

Assistant Technical Manager

Location:

Cranbrook Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Hours:

40 per week Reporting to:
Technical Manager Job Purpose The Assistant Technical Manager will support the Technical Manager in the day-to-day management of the site technical function within a food manufacturing environment. The role will involve leading key elements of food safety, quality, and compliance while acting as a technical interface between production, customers, suppliers, and external bodies. This is a hands-on role suited to an experienced technical professional looking to step into a management position while remaining actively involved in factory-based technical operations.

Key Responsibilities Technical & Quality Management Support the management and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System in line with food safety, quality, and legal requirements. Deputise for the Technical Manager when required. Support the management, coaching, and development of the QC and technical team. Lead investigations into non-conformances, customer complaints, and quality incidents, ensuring robust corrective and preventative actions. Support internal audits and manage actions arising from external audits.

Food Safety & Compliance Actively participate in HACCP reviews and food safety meetings. Support the implementation and ongoing management of HACCP, TACCP, and VACCP. Support traceability, mass balance, and product recall testing exercises. Oversee validations, shelf-life testing, and product verification activities. Ensure effective control of labelling systems and compliance with legal requirements. Support management of pest control and site hygiene standards.

Customer & Supplier Interface Support completion and review of customer specifications and technical documentation. Act as a point of contact for technical customer queries. Support customer complaint investigations and responses. Support supplier approval processes, raw material specifications, and supplier performance. Liaise with customers, suppliers, laboratories, and auditors as required. Factory & NPD Support Work closely with Production teams to ensure food safety and quality standards are consistently met.

Carry out factory inspections and support corrective actions. Support NPD activity including product launches, artwork reviews, nutrition calculations, and sensory panels. Participate in technical input to new product development and change management. Skills & Experience Essential Experience in a technical or quality role within food manufacturing. Strong working knowledge of food safety systems such as HACCP. Experience supporting audits and managing non-conformances.

Confident communicator able to work across production, technical, and commercial teams. Comfortable working in a hands-on, factory-based role.

Desirable Experience working to BRCGS or equivalent food safety standards. Experience managing or supervising QA/QC teams.

Experience with customer specifications and retail portals. Knowledge of TACCP and VACCP. Food safety or HACCP Level 3 or above qualification.