Head of Technical

Job Title: Head of TechnicalLocation: Newry, Northern Ireland Salary: Up to £100,000 (depending on experience) Contract: Full-Time, Permanent Department: Technical & Quality Reports To: Operations Director / Managing DirectorCompany OverviewA leading innovator in premium chilled and frozen food solutions, supplying products to major retail, foodservice, and international markets. The business operates from a modern manufacturing facility in Newry and is recognised for excellence in quality, food safety, sustainability, and product innovation. As the organisation continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced Head of Technical to lead the Technical and Quality function.Role OverviewThe Head of Technical is a senior leadership role with overall responsibility for the Technical, Quality, and Compliance departments. The position requires a strategic leader who can ensure the highest standards of food safety, legality, quality assurance, and customer compliance while driving continuous improvement across the site.You will act as the technical authority within the business, maintaining certification standards, managing retailer technical relationships, and ensuring all products meet the required specifications.Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & StrategyLead, develop, and mentor the Technical & Quality teams.Establish and deliver the Technical strategy aligned with business objectives.Serve as the senior technical expert within the leadership team.Food Safety & ComplianceOversee all food safety and compliance systems, including HACCP, TACCP/VACCP, BRCGS, and retailer standards.Ensure 100% compliance with legal, regulatory, and customer technical requirements.Maintain and continuously enhance the Quality Management System (QMS).Customer & Supplier ManagementAct as the primary technical contact for retail and foodservice customers.Lead customer technical audits, presentations, and site visits.Manage supplier approval, raw material verification, and supply chain compliance.Quality Assurance & StandardsEnsure industry-leading hygiene, GMP, allergen management, and traceability controls.Analyse quality metrics to drive reductions in complaints, non-conformances, and waste.Oversee product specifications, labelling compliance, and artwork approvals.New Product Development SupportCollaborate with NPD to validate new products for safety, feasibility, and quality.Support factory trials, process validations, and capability assessments.Audit, Risk & Continuous ImprovementLead BRCGS audits, retailer audits, and the internal auditing programme.Deliver continuous improvement initiatives across the Technical function.Provide training, coaching, and leadership to raise technical standards across site operations.Key RequirementsEssentialExtensive experience in a senior Technical or Quality role within food manufacturing.Strong knowledge of chilled, frozen, or high-care/high-risk food production.Proven track record managing BRCGS certification and major UK retailer technical standards.Excellent understanding of HACCP, food safety legislation, and QMS structures.Strong leadership capability with experience managing cross-functional technical teams.Excellent communication and influencing skills with the ability to engage at all levels.Highly organised, data-driven, and decisive.DesirableDegree in Food Science, Microbiology, or related field.Experience in a fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environment.Continuous improvement or Lean/Six Sigma exposure.BenefitsSalary up to £100,000 per annumSenior leadership position within a growing, innovative food manufacturing businessOpportunity to shape and enhance the technical strategyPension schemePrivate healthcare (optional)Training and career development opportunitiesFlexible working support (where suitable)