Technical Services Manager

Fresh-Pak Chilled Foods is a key site within The Compleat Food Group, delivering high-quality chilled food products to our customers while maintaining rigorous food safety and technical standards. We are seeking an experienced Technical Services Manager to join our Barnsley site and lead the Technical Services function.

The Role:

As Technical Services Manager, you will provide expert technical support across the site and customer functions, ensuring compliance with customer codes of practice, internal policies, and legislative requirements. You will manage the site's Quality Management System, laboratory testing programs, customer complaints, and external audits, while providing actionable insights through KPI reporting and trend analysis. This role requires a proactive, problem‑solving mindset and the ability to lead a high‑performing technical team.

• Ensure adherence to Customer Codes of Practice, internal policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage the site Quality Management System, including process validation and internal audits.
• Oversee the laboratory testing program (microbiological, chemical, allergens, meat species) and ensure accurate reporting and trend analysis.
• Coordinate and manage all activities around external audits and ensure timely close‑out of non‑conformances.
• Analyse complaints and customer feedback, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
• Conduct traceability exercises and maintain process documentation and compliance audits.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high‑performing Technical Services team.
• Manage departmental budgets and drive cost‑effective solutions in laboratory and technical spend.

• BRC Grade:
  Minimum A
• Year‑on‑year improvements in internal audit performance
• Reduction in complaints and effective complaint resolution
• Compliance with internal and customer testing regimes
• Effective implementation of the Fresh‑Pak Standard across the site

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related discipline (or equivalent experience)
• Level 4 Advanced Food Hygiene qualification or equivalent
• Minimum 3 years experience in Quality Management in a fast‑paced food environment
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, including root cause analysis
• Excellent interpersonal, organisational, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and lead a team

• HACCP Level 3 or above
• Experience liaising with major UK retailers on technical issues
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Strong report writing and presentation skills

• Strong work ethic and professionalism
• 'Can do' attitude with attention to detail
• Critical thinker and effective problem solver
• Numerate with strong analytical mindset
• Ability to motivate and manage a team effectively

At The Compleat Food Group, we're proud to be a food business built on purpose and passion. Formed in 2021, we're on a mission to create Food to Feel Good – great quality, tasty and affordable food that people love to eat. We're home to some of the UK's most exciting and loved food brands, including Wall's Pastry, Pork Farms, Wrights, The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co.,

unearthed, Vadasz, Squeaky Bean, Palace Culture, and Harvey & Brockless. Alongside our branded portfolio, we're a leading supplier of delicious own‑label pastry, sweet bakery, party food, olives and antipasti, added‑value egg products, continental meats, dips and sauces and plant‑based food to the UK's major retailers, as well as across food service. With over 6,000 talented colleagues across 17 sites, and an annual turnover of £1.3bn, we're united by a shared ambition to shape the future of food for the better.

We are backed by European private equity firm PAI Partners.

At The Compleat Food Group, we believe our people are the heart of our success. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your lifestyle, wellbeing, and career growth.

• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – including Electric Vehicles, Home & Tech, Cycle to Work, and SMART Pension
• 33 days' annual leave…