Head of Technical
Vacancy Reference: 40358 AB
*This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.*
Are you a Technical Manager?
Do you have experience in BRC and Red Tractor Audits?
Have you got a background within the Food and Fresh Produce sector?
The Company:
Our client is a large, well known and respected produce company, providing high quality products to a variety of clients, having an excellent, supportive working culture, career progression and training opportunities for their employees.
The Job Role:
To be accountable for the operation of the Technical Department including QA. To ensure that the Technical Department is operated and managed in the best interests of the business, to its maximum potential in terms of efficiency and profitability. To ensure that the sites maintain relevant accreditation's to the highest standards - BRC, Red Tractor etc. Manage all aspects of Technical and Quality across the business. Create an environment of a "positive can do" attitude and behaviours of all employees. Lead and develop the technical team ensuring we build resilience and succession. Engage as a key contact with customers on a technical basis and support commercial in relevant areas
Location: North England - Office Based with travel between sites
Working Hours: Monday - Friday (Including weekend email and callout cover where relevant).
Salary Package: £60,000 - £80,000 + Vehicle / Car Allowance
Key Responsibilities:
Be accountable for the maintenance of the Food Safety and Quality Management System to meet the requirements of the Accreditation audit(s).
Lead all accreditation and customer audit(s).
Lead customer visits and communications responding to issues and queries as necessary.
Chair the Technical, Senior Management Commitment and HACCP Meetings.
Report to the Head of Group Operations on a fortnightly basis to ensure that objectives are met and accountability.
Accountable for the level of Internal and External Non conformance's, to oversee and review the Root Cause Analysis process and provide feedback on the response according to the severity.
Manage department within agreed budgets and targets to include invoice process and approval.
Hold the Operations Department accountable for Site Hygiene, cleanliness and Factory Standards in accordance with all relevant accreditation standards.
Offer advice and support to other departmental functions in terms of any queries (includes any holiday cover).
Identify and implement continuous improvement and development ideas capturing cost savings within the scope of the department.
Line manage the Technical Department.
Liaise with site Quality team to ensure excellent standards are maintained and assist with QA department recruitment process where applicable.
Maintain professional relationships with service providers the requirements of the accreditation standards.
Accountable for the completion of the Internal and GMP Audit schedule, review of the overall internal audit program.
Conduct internal audits where appropriate.
Ensure all corrective actions proposed from both Internal and External Conformity's are completed and closed out in a timely manner and effectively verified as complete.
Accountable for the drafting and development of new product specifications as the need arises, and challenge and modify existing ones where necessary, in conjunction with all appropriate stakeholders for CEO or board approval.
To collaborate with colleagues across the business contributing to a positive 'one-organization' culture.
Attend and contribute to management meetings.
To take responsibility of Health & Safety for themselves and those around them under the Health & Safety at work Act 1974.
Key Performance Indicators:
Documentation is up-to date, reviewed and communicated to the broader teams according to the accreditation standards.
Sites are Audit ready at all times. Sites achieve a BRC “A” grade and above. Pass of Red Tractor traceability challenge and Growing & Processing.
Close working relationships are maintained throughout external technical departments.
Meetings are arranged, attended, and prepared for, according to the schedule. Notes and actions are shared and followed up.
Fortnightly meeting held with Head of Group Operations to provide update on technical department, review completion of actions and any KPIs agreed within the role & department. Notes and actions recorded.
RCA and corrective action(s) implemented to avoid repeat Food Safety nonconformity and reduce the risk of quality related nonconformity.
Work within agreed targets and budgets, with concerns escalated to the Head of Group Operations. Contracts are reviewed annually, and forecasting completed.
Site is audit ready every-day.
Knowledge frequently sought and shared across the business. Provide support and guidance as required
Continuous development within role.
Line manage the team including training, coaching, development and performance management. Personal Development Plans in place and maintained regularly.
Promote a confident “can do” attitude and motivated workforce within the department.
Close working relationships are promoted and maintained.
Schedule is achieved and completed in full in agreement with the Head of Group Operations.
Internal audits are completed to a high standard.
RCA and corrective action(s) implemented to avoid any repeat issues in a reasonable agreed timeframe.
Liaise with Sales to ensure target launch dates are achieved in terms of technical requirements. Specifications must be discussed and challenged to ensure they are always operationally achievable.
Promote a ‘one-organization’ culture.
Attendance in meetings with a positive contribution and preparation for all relevant meetings. Where absence unavoidable – deputy nominated, or apologies given in advance.
Compliance is maintained within the business, any risk or hazards identified across the site must be raised in accordance with the site protocols.
Essential Skills:
High level of attention to detail
Good interpersonal and communication skills
Planning and organising skills.
Self-starter and motivator
Ability to perform under pressure.
Adaptable leadership style in dealing with various and testing situations
Internal Auditing
Desirable Skills:
Experience of successfully attaining the BRCGS 'A' grade standard or above.
HACCP Level 3
Previous experience of working within the produce industry
Keywords:
Head of Technical, Technical Manager, Technical, Technical Management, Food Jobs, Fresh Produce Jobs, Jobs in Technical, Technical Jobs, Agri FJ, Agricultural Recruitment, Agricultural and Farming Jobs.
How to Apply:
Please click on the APPLY NOW button.
Please send your CV to; Angel Bains - Senior Recruitment Resourcer
We thank all applicants who apply for this role. However, please be advised that only those short listed for an interview will be contacted. Please be assured that your job application will be managed in complete confidence and your personal details will not be passed to any third party without your prior permission. Established in 2013, Agricultural and Farming Jobs provide outstanding recruitment head-hunting and job advertising services. We are the trusted recruitment partner of choice to industry leading organisations across the UK and Internationally. We recruit specifically for all roles within the sectors of: Agriculture, Farming, Horticulture, Food and Fresh Produce, Vet, Pet and Animal Health, Agrochemicals, Fertilisers and Seeds, Software and Technology, Machinery, Technical and Engineering and specialist Education.
