Technical Manager

To effectively manage the Technical Services function driving the improvement and maintenance of systems and ensuring they are compliant with regulatory, third party and internal/external customers’ requirements.

Management Responsibility

• Agreeing, reviewing and reporting regularly against effective key performance indicators for the technical services team
• Promote a strong customer service ethos and attention to detail within your team. Endeavour to exceed customer expectations, both internal and external. Hands on manager that works directly as part of the team and gives guidance on expected standards, completing routine technical work such as raw material and customer specifications/queries
• Drive continuous improvement through direct areas of responsibility and influence positive business change including more effective ways of working.
• Managing and motivating the technical services team to be effective and promote better ways of working. This includes role evaluation and review, recruitment as necessary, induction and training, performance review and appraisal.
• Agreeing, reviewing and operating within an expenditure budget
• Operate as an effective member of the Technical leadership team to help one another push the boundaries of business performance promoting new ideas and SMART targets

To include, but not be limited to:

• Lead and develop technical service systems managing the provision of raw material risk assessment, surveillance testing schedules, traceability, supply chain maps, VACCP, allergen risk assessment, countries of origin, intolerance data, ingredient declarations, nutrition information, provision of relevant information for finished product specifications/customer requirements etc
• Host and effectively manage audits as required, for example, regulatory, accreditation body, customer, integrity audits. Liaise with other managers within the business regarding their inputs and outputs to achieve compliance including corrective and improvement actions
• Prioritise and assist with completion of technical service enquiries and technical information requests from internal and external customers. Completion of raw material and finished product specifications/technical information to lead and support the team
• Maintain and develop the corporate social responsibility policy and position statement, the ethical trading policy and its operational management. Ensure suppliers have suitable policies and completion of ethical SAQs, for example Sedex, as part of supplier approval and monitoring process
• Take responsibility for the investigation of the root cause of customer complaints that relate to supply chain and ensure their timely response, suitable preventative actions and closure
• Prepare and circulate contributions to monthly performance review reports and review meetings relating to the technical services function

Keys skills:

• An effective communicator with internal and external stakeholders including global suppliers and customers
• Excellent data skills, for example excel and relevant platforms, to enable analysis of data to prioritise work and provide visibility/effective use of resources
• Ability to travel globally to visit suppliers and customers
• Team player able to work alongside the team and support with daily execution of key priorities
• High level of regulatory/compliance knowledge
• Experience in the herbs and spices preferable, or seasonings, flavour and ingredients
• Experience of M&S supply chain and working with Codes of Practice would be useful
• Minimum of 5 years management experience