Technical and Quality Team Recruitment for Food and Drink Manufacturing.

Location: Lancashire
The Opportunity: A hands-on technical leadership role where you’ll be visible on the factory floor, influence standards and help drive technical performance across a busy food manufacturing operation.

This is an opportunity for an experienced Technical professional to take ownership of factory technical standards, work closely with Production, Engineering, Hygiene and Warehouse teams, and make a tangible difference to day-to-day technical performance.

You’ll be joining an established food manufacturing business at an important stage of its development, with continued investment and growth creating opportunities for people who want to make an impact rather than simply maintain the status quo.

Why this role?
This is a highly visible, factory-based role working alongside the Site Technical Manager.

Your focus will be on maintaining audit readiness, improving factory standards and challenging practices that create avoidable non-conformances. You’ll also play an important role in coaching colleagues across the site and deputising for the Technical Manager during audits and factory walkarounds.

It’s a role that will suit someone who enjoys being close to the operation, can build credibility with different departments and is comfortable holding standards when they need to be challenged.

What will you be responsible for?

• Ensuring finished product meets agreed technical and quality standards.
• Maintaining a high level of audit readiness across the factory.
• Establishing and embedding clear “what good looks like” standards.
• Coaching and supporting QA, Production, Engineering, Hygiene and Warehouse teams.
• Identifying the causes of avoidable non-conformances and driving improvements in factory practices.
• Supporting retailer code approval requirements and managing associated samples.
• Overseeing pest control processes across the manufacturing operation.
• Deputising for the Site Technical Manager during audits and factory walkarounds.
• Spending the majority of your time on the factory floor, providing a visible technical presence.
• Working flexibly across shifts where required to maintain standards and provide technical support.

What we're looking for
Essential

• Previous technical experience within a food manufacturing environment.
• Experience of leading, coaching or supervising technical/quality colleagues.
• Strong understanding of food safety, technical standards and factory compliance.
• Experience working with retailer requirements and customer audits.
• The confidence to challenge standards and influence colleagues across different functions.
• A practical, hands-on approach with the ability to identify issues and drive them through to resolution.

Desirable

• Experience deputising for a Technical Manager or leading technical activity during audits.
• Experience working with major UK retailers.
• Experience across QA, factory standards and technical compliance.

What's on offer?
This is a great business to join as they really invest in the people and support development and growth. This is a Factory Technical Manager they are looking to find someone who has experience working in the factory running the technical and quality team.

We are seeking applications from talented QA Managers, Assistant Technical Managers, Senior QA Managers, Factory Technical Managers or Technical Managers, who live within Greater Manchester & Lancashire.

Why True North Talent?

True North Talent specialises exclusively in recruitment across the UK food and drink manufacturing industry. We understand the sector, the challenges businesses are facing and the experience required to succeed within it.

Our specialist consultants work closely with both clients and candidates to ensure we're not simply matching a CV to a job description – we're helping people make the right career move and businesses secure the expertise they need.

Interested?
If you are an experienced Factory Manager within the food and drink manufacturing sector and this sounds like the kind of opportunity you're looking for, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply directly or contact Carole on 0161 399 1575 / 07899 686690 for a confidential discussion, quoting reference CH/TNT/3442.

We may hold your data, as per our privacy policy detailed on our website.

We are only able to consider candidates who have the legal right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.
 

Location: Merseyside
The Opportunity: A senior technical leadership opportunity where you'll have real ownership of food safety, quality and hygiene across a busy manufacturing site.

This is a role for an experienced Technical or Quality professional who enjoys being close to the operation, challenging standards and making improvements that have a measurable impact.

You'll take ownership of the site's technical agenda, working closely with Operations and other functions to ensure food is produced safely, consistently and to the standards expected by customers, accreditations and the business.

Why this role?
This isn't simply a role focused on maintaining systems and passing audits.
You'll have genuine accountability for the site's food safety, quality and hygiene performance, with the opportunity to influence how the factory operates and drive improvements across standards, processes and ways of working.

You'll lead customer and accreditation audits, own the site's HACCP, TACCP, food defence and food fraud systems, and work with colleagues across the business to identify risk and implement sustainable solutions.
There is also scope to get involved in new product, plant and equipment projects, as well as wider site initiatives.

What will I be responsible for?
You'll take ownership of:

• Food safety, quality and hygiene standards across the manufacturing site.
• HACCP, TACCP, food defence, food fraud and product integrity systems.
• BRC, IFS, RSPO and customer standards, ensuring the site remains audit ready.
• Leading customer and accreditation audits, including RCA and close-out of non-conformances.
• Quality and Hygiene KPIs, including RFT, complaints, blocked and scrapped stock and hygiene performance.
• Customer and consumer complaints, including identifying trends and driving reduction programmes.
• GMP and hygiene standards across the factory, challenging non-compliance and improving ways of working.
• Risk assessments across products and ingredients, working collaboratively with Operations, NPD and Technical colleagues.
• Supporting new product introductions and projects involving plant and equipment.
• Quality and Hygiene budgets, ensuring expenditure supports the wider site strategy.
• Leading local improvement projects and escalating significant issues appropriately.

What we're looking for
You'll already have substantial Technical, Quality or Food Safety experience within food manufacturing and be comfortable operating at both a strategic and hands-on level.

Essential:

• Strong experience within food manufacturing Technical, Quality, Food Safety or Hygiene.
• Thorough understanding of HACCP, TACCP, food defence, food fraud and food safety systems.
• Experience leading BRC/IFS and major customer audits.
• Proven experience managing non-conformances, RCA and corrective actions through to completion.
• Strong understanding of GMP, hygiene and food manufacturing standards.
• Experience using KPIs to drive improvements in quality, complaints, RFT and hygiene performance.
• The credibility to challenge standards and influence operational teams.

Desirable:

• Experience with RSPO or other customer-specific certification standards.
• Experience supporting NPD, capital projects or new equipment introductions.
• Budget management experience.
• Degree-level qualification or equivalent technical experience.

What can they offer you?
This is a great business to join as they really invest in the people and support development and growth. You will be joining a company that really are about their people and collaborative working.

We are seeking applications from talented Technical Managers, Site Technical Leaders, Assistant Technical Managers, Senior Technical Managers or Senior Quality Managers, who live within Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Manchester, Hale, Sale or Trafford Park region.

Why True North Talent?
True North Talent specialises exclusively in recruitment across the UK food and drink manufacturing industry. We understand the sector, the challenges businesses are facing and the experience required to succeed within it.

Our specialist consultants work closely with both clients and candidates to ensure we're not simply matching a CV to a job description – we're helping people make the right career move and businesses secure the expertise they need.

Interested?
If you are an experienced Technical Manager within the food and drink  manufacturing sector and this sounds like the kind of opportunity you're looking for, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply directly or contact Carole on 0161 399 1575 / 07899 686690 for a confidential discussion, quoting reference CH/TNT/3444.

We may hold your data, as per our privacy policy detailed on our website.

We are only able to consider candidates who have the legal right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.
 

Location: Republic of Ireland
The opportunity: An excellent opportunity for an experienced technical leader to take strategic ownership of food safety, quality and compliance across a substantial food manufacturing operation.

Reporting to the Food Safety & Quality Director, you'll work closely with senior leadership and site teams to strengthen standards, drive continuous improvement and develop a strong culture of food safety and quality.
This is a role where you can genuinely influence the operation rather than simply maintain existing systems.

The role
You'll lead the Food Safety & Quality agenda across the retail operation, managing and developing a small FSQ team and working closely with Operations, NPD, Engineering and other senior stakeholders.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the food safety and quality strategy across the operation.

• Ensuring compliance with HACCP, BRC/GFSI, GMP, legislation and customer standards.

• Leading audits and relationships with customers, regulators and other external stakeholders.

• Driving continuous improvement, risk management and effective root cause analysis.

• Developing and coaching the FSQ team and building future capability.

• Working with Operations and NPD to ensure food safety and quality requirements are embedded across the business.

• Developing food safety performance measures and driving accountability across the site.

• Supporting business continuity and operational risk management.

• Occasional travel will be required.

What we're looking for
Essential

• Senior Food Safety & Quality experience within food manufacturing.

• Strong knowledge of HACCP, BRC/GFSI, GMP and food safety legislation.

• Experience working with retail customers and managing customer/audit requirements.

• Proven experience leading FSQ teams and driving continuous improvement.

• Strong risk management, RCA and corrective action experience.

• Confident working with senior stakeholders and influencing operational teams.

Desirable

• Lead Auditor qualification.

• Food Science, Food Technology or related qualification.

• Quality or Continuous Improvement qualification.

• What's in it for you?

• A genuine senior leadership position with significant influence.

• Opportunity to shape the Food Safety & Quality strategy.

• Direct exposure to senior leadership and key customers.

• Scope to develop and coach an FSQ team.

• The opportunity to make meaningful improvements across a substantial food manufacturing operation.

Why True North Talent?
We're specialists in food and drink manufacturing recruitment, so we understand the roles, businesses and challenges within the sector.

Interested?
If you're an experienced Food Safety & Quality leader and this sounds like the kind of opportunity you're looking for, we'd love to have a confidential conversation about the role and the business behind it.  Please send your CV quoting re CH/TNT/3421 or call 0161 399 1575 / 07899 686690 for a confidential discussion.

We may hold your data, as per our privacy policy detailed on our website.
We are only able to consider candidates who have the legal right to work in the UK. The company cannot offer sponsorship. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.

Location: London
Overview: An opportunity to take ownership of the technical side of exciting new product launches within a rapidly growing food business.
We are working exclusively with a rapidly growing manufacturer, and they are looking for a Food Technologist to join the team and help ensure their products are safe, compliant, technically robust and ready for launch.
Working closely with the NPD and EPD teams, you’ll have a key role in taking products from concept through to launch, with responsibility for specifications, artwork and labelling, supplier approval, technical compliance and product validation.

Why this role?
The business is entering an exciting period of continued growth, with further expansion across its product portfolio, retail presence and customer base.
As the business grows, so does the technical complexity behind its products. You’ll play an important role in ensuring new and existing products meet the required food safety, legal, quality and technical standards, while supporting the business to bring innovative products to market efficiently.
You’ll work closely with NPD, EPD, suppliers and production teams, giving you exposure across the full product lifecycle rather than being confined to specifications or compliance in isolation.

What will you be doing?
You’ll take ownership of a broad technical workload, including:

• Setting up and maintaining product and raw material specifications.
• Creating and approving pack copy, labelling and artwork, ensuring compliance with UK/EU legislation and retailer requirements.
• Managing technical information across digital systems to maintain product safety, traceability and compliance.
• Supporting supplier approval, risk assessment and due diligence.
• Reviewing and approving raw material specifications and supplier documentation.
• Working closely with NPD and EPD throughout product development and industrialisation.
• Managing technical elements of critical paths to ensure products launch on time.
• Coordinating technical validations, product testing, shelf-life assessments and organoleptic evaluations.
• Supporting production trials and providing technical guidance and training to production teams.
• Investigating recurring technical and consumer issues and helping identify appropriate corrective actions.
• Keeping up to date with changing legislation and ensuring products remain compliant.

About the business
Our client is a rapidly growing food business with an established consumer following and ambitious plans for further expansion.
The company is backed by a major global food business and has developed a strong presence across retail, online and hospitality channels.
With a growing manufacturing operation in London, the business produces a range of fresh food products and continues to invest in its capabilities as demand increases.
Further growth is planned across its product portfolio, retail and hospitality operations, making this a business where there is plenty happening and genuine opportunity to make an impact.

What are they looking for?
Essential

• A background in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Nutrition or a related discipline.
• Experience working in a technical/food technology role within food manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, UK/EU food legislation and industry standards.
• Experience with specifications, artwork, labelling and supplier compliance.
• Good understanding of technical processes involved in bringing products to market.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Knowledge of BRCGS Issue 9.

What's in it for you?

• Competitive salary.
• 25 days' annual leave + bank holidays.
• Employee discounts.
• Free company products.
• Regular team socials and product tastings.
• Referral bonus scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• The opportunity to join a rapidly growing food business backed by a global industry leader.
• Genuine exposure to NPD, innovation and new product launches.
• The opportunity to work in a business going through significant growth and expansion.

Why True North Talent?
True North Talent specialises exclusively in recruitment across the UK food and drink manufacturing industry. We understand the sector, the challenges businesses are facing and the experience required to succeed within it.
Our specialist consultants work closely with both clients and candidates to ensure we're not simply matching a CV to a job description – we're helping people make the right career move and businesses secure the expertise they need.

Interested?
If you're an experienced Technical or Quality professional looking for a role where you can take genuine ownership of food safety, quality systems, audits and technical standards, we'd love to have a confidential conversation about the opportunity and whether it could be the right next step for you.
Apply directly or call India on 0161 399 1575 / 0744 7735 175 for a confidential discussion about this role, quoting Ref No IC/TNT/3376.

We may hold your data, as per our privacy policy detailed on our website.

We are only able to consider candidates who have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.
 

Location: London
Overview: An opportunity to take ownership of the technical side of exciting new product launches within a rapidly growing food business.
We are working exclusively with a rapidly growing manufacturer, and they are looking for a Quality Control Manager to join the team and help ensure their products are safe, compliant, technically robust and ready for launch.
This is a broad technical role with genuine ownership of the Quality Management System, HACCP, audits, supplier standards and customer requirements, working closely with production and commercial teams to maintain high standards and support continued growth.
If you’re a technically strong food manufacturing professional who enjoys having ownership, working closely with stakeholders and driving standards forward, this could be a great next step.

Why this role?
The business is entering an exciting period of continued growth and maintaining strong technical and quality standards is critical to supporting that expansion.
You’ll take a leading role in maintaining and developing the site’s technical systems, ensuring the business remains compliant with BRCGS, legislation, customer standards and food safety requirements.
You’ll also be the key point of contact for customer and third-party audits, giving you the opportunity to work directly with external customers and auditors while influencing standards across the manufacturing operation.
The role will also give you exposure to new product launches, artwork approval, supplier audits and continuous improvement, making this much broader than a traditional quality control position.

What will you be doing?
You’ll have responsibility across the full quality and food safety function, including:

• Developing and maintaining the Quality Management System and HACCP.
• Ensuring manufacturing processes comply with current legislation and food safety requirements.
• Providing technical guidance on hygiene, housekeeping, factory standards, food handling and GMP.
• Ensuring compliance with BRCGS and customer-specific standards.
• Acting as the main point of contact for customer and third-party audits.
• Maintaining customer and raw material specifications.
• Working closely with production and commercial teams to ensure products meet customer, quality, legal and food safety requirements.
• Supporting the launch of new products and overseeing the artwork approval process.
• Conducting supplier audits where required.
• Setting and monitoring team and individual KPIs aligned to the wider business plan.
• Providing advice and expertise on food safety and quality matters to internal and external stakeholders.

About the business
Our client is a rapidly growing food business with an established consumer following and ambitious plans for further expansion.
The company is backed by a major global food business and has developed a strong presence across retail, online and hospitality channels.
Further growth is planned across its product portfolio, retail and hospitality operations, making this a business where there is plenty happening and genuine opportunity to make an impact.

What are they looking for?

• Previous experience working in a technical/quality role within food manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, BRCGS and food safety requirements.
• Experience leading or supporting BRCGS audits.
• Good understanding of UK food legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Experience with Quality Management Systems and internal auditing.
• Strong understanding of GMP, hygiene and food manufacturing standards.
• Advanced Food Hygiene qualification.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage priorities and deadlines.
• Confident decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with production, commercial and external stakeholders.
• BRCGS V9 experience

• Experience conducting supplier audits.
• Knowledge of certification standards such as RSPO or MSC.

What's in it for you?

• Competitive salary.
• 25 days' annual leave + bank holidays.
• Employee referral scheme.
• Free company products.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Opportunity to join a rapidly growing food business backed by a global industry leader.
• Genuine ownership of the quality and food safety agenda.
• Exposure to customers, audits, NPD and wider business stakeholders.
• Opportunity to influence and develop technical standards as the business continues to grow.

Why True North Talent?
True North Talent specialises exclusively in recruitment across the UK food and drink manufacturing industry. We understand the sector, the challenges businesses are facing and the experience required to succeed within it.
Our specialist consultants work closely with both clients and candidates to ensure we're not simply matching a CV to a job description – we're helping people make the right career move and businesses secure the expertise they need.

Interested?
If you're an experienced Technical or Quality professional looking for a role where you can take genuine ownership of food safety, quality systems, audits and technical standards, we'd love to have a confidential conversation about the opportunity and whether it could be the right next step for you.

Apply directly or call India on 0161 399 1575 / 0744 7735 175 for a confidential discussion about this role, quoting Ref No IC/TNT/3375
We may hold your data, as per our privacy policy detailed on our website.

We are only able to consider candidates who have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.

 

Location: South Yorkshire
Overview: This is a rare opportunity to join a strong technical team, and an exciting time to join a great business who are going from strength to strength.

The Role:
•    Interpreting customer codes of practice, ensuring that all new products comply with all legal safety, authenticity, quality, and customer requirements
•    Maintain site QMS and associated documentation in line with changes to legislation, customer and industry standards/codes of practice to assure compliance. 
•    The Technical Services Manager will work predominantly, and very closely with the Technical Manager, New Product Development Manager, commercial and production teams, as well as liaising with team colleagues and other departments.
•    Creating and approving customer packaging requirements
•    Preparing and attending customer meetings, providing technical support for new product submissions

Experience Required:
•    Degree in Food Science or similar with experience in technical services in a fast-paced food environment.
•    The Technical Services Manager will need Lead Auditor/Internal Auditing experience.
•    Experience of working in technical services within a food manufacturing environment
•    Proactive, detail-oriented, and highly organised, with the ability to balance day-to-day needs with long-term objectives.

Company Overview:
This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a forward thinking, proactive and innovative company with recent investment which has resulted in strong and stable growth. This company have a collaborative culture and a focus on progression and development for every level of the business. 

We are seeking applications from talented Technical Service Managers, Compliance Managers and Quality Assurance Managers, Technical Systems Managers, Technical Support & Compliance Managers who live within Sheffield, Huddersfield, Pontefract, Rotherham and the surrounding South Yorkshire areas.

If you have the desired qualifications and experience, please send your CV quoting reference CH/TNT/3330 to carole@truenorthtalent.co.uk or phone 0161 399 1575/ 07899 686690 for a confidential discussion.

True North Talent is recognised as a trusted supplier of permanent, contract and interim recruitment services to the food manufacturing and FMCG industries. Our teams of specialist recruiters operate across Operations/Engineering/Technical/NPD/Supply Chain and Commercial. We may hold your data, as per our privacy policy detailed on our website.

We are only able to consider candidates who have the full legal right to work in the UK Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.
 

Location: Tyne and Wear
Overview: A leading and growing food company is seeking an experienced Technical Manager to lead and develop their site technical function. This is a key leadership role, responsible for driving food safety, quality standards, BRC compliance and continuous improvement across the business.
This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on Technical Manager who thrives in a busy manufacturing environment and is passionate about developing strong food safety cultures while supporting future business growth.

About You:
• Experienced Technical Manager with a strong background within food manufacturing, ideally chilled food production.
• As Technical Manger, you will have experience  within a Technical or Quality Assurance function, with proven experience managing teams and technical operations.
• Degree level qualification in Food Science or a related subject, with Food Safety Level 3, HACCP Level 3 and Internal Auditor training essential.
• Strong knowledge of BRC Global Food Safety Standards, retailer requirements, customer audits and managing technical compliance.
• Excellent communicator with the ability to influence across all levels of the business, drive improvements and embed a strong food safety culture.

What will you be doing?
• Leading the Technical Department, including QA, Quality Management, Process and Hygiene functions, ensuring all products meet safety, quality and legal requirements.
• Managing and improving the site’s food safety management systems, including HACCP, BRC compliance, audits, root cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.
• As Technical Manager, you will be driving the site’s Quality KPIs, identifying opportunities for improvement and working collaboratively with wider teams to improve performance year on year.
• Leading internal, customer and third-party audits, managing non-conformances and ensuring effective corrective and preventative actions are implemented.
• Supporting product development and launches, ensuring products meet customer specifications, regulatory requirements and site standards.

What can they offer you?
• The opportunity to join a successful and growing food manufacturing business in a key leadership position.
• A role with significant influence, allowing you to shape technical strategy and develop a strong food safety culture across the site.
• The chance to work with major customers and stakeholders while contributing to continuous improvement initiatives across the wider European business.
• A supportive environment with opportunities for career development and progression.
• The opportunity to be part of a business committed to maintaining high standards across food safety, quality and operational excellence.

We are seeking applications from talented Technical Managers, Senior Technical Managers, Quality Managers, Technical Quality Managers, Head of Technical, Technical Services Managers, QA Managers and Food Safety Managers who live within Tyne & Wear, South Shields, Tyneside, Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead, Sunderland and the surrounding areas.

How to Apply
If you have the desired qualifications and experience, please send your CV quoting ref CH/TNT/3345. or call 0161 399 1575 / 07899 686690 for a confidential discussion.

True North Talent is recognised as a trusted supplier of permanent, contract and interim recruitment services to the food manufacturing and FMCG industries. Our teams of specialist recruiters operate across food manufacturing Operations Jobs, food manufacturing Engineering jobs, food manufacturing Technical jobs, food manufacturing NPD jobs, food manufacturing Supply Chain jobs and food manufacturing Commercial jobs. We may hold your data, as per our privacy policy detailed on our website.

We are only able to consider candidates who have the full legal right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.