Assistant Technical Manager (6 month secondment) Be part of something big We look at what is wrong with food to figure out how to make it the best it can be, without being bound by the way it has always been done. This kind of innovative thinking has led Finnebrogue to multiple awards, nationwide acclaim and has established us as a leading food producer. In 2024, we were recognised as the UK’s Employer of the Year by Grocer Gold and the Best Place to Work in Northern Ireland by the Irish News Workplace & Employment Awards. Our robust People Strategy offers career pathways and development opportunities for all employees, emphasising talent growth and wellbeing with generous benefits for all. We are proud to be the first food producer in the UK and Ireland to achieve the Diversity Mark accreditation and are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace. With four sites in Downpatrick, County Down, our business continues to grow rapidly, with turnover growing from £50M to £200M in the past 6 years. Join us at Finnebrogue, where innovation meets excellence, and every team member is valued and empowered to grow. Job Purpose You will play a vital role within the production site demonstrating key leadership skills to develop and manage a team of production and machine operatives. You will have accountability for delivering some of the most innovative food products on the market in line with the quality standards that Finnebrogue has been renowned for. Working with a daily production plan you will have full autonomy and responsibility for production outputs including labour and material. What it takes Full responsibility for all food safety, quality and legal aspects of production and its environment, ensuring that all products produced meet food safety, legal and customer requirements, Demonstrate a proven record of establishing and maintaining relationships with internal and external team and customers, Liaise with the NPD and Process team to ensure products & processes are developed / launched & optimized, incorporating “Best Manufacturing Principles”, Attend all product trials, pre productions and first launches ensuring that all customer requirements are achieved, Ensure site is audit ready at all times and be responsible for leading customer and regulatory visits and audits, maintain green status across the business, Maintain a robust auditing programme to ensure that teams maintain the highest standard of food safety and product integrity, Responsibility of managing the factory QA teams to ensure products are manufactured to high standards, To support training and development of the factory QA teams, Work as part of team to maintain and deliver reductions on company KPIs, such as Customer Complaints, Hygiene, External Audit Performance and Product Quality, Carry out Factory audits as required by the weekly schedule, Ensuring all Hygiene and GMP requirements are met by all staff members, Attend L1 meeting as technical representative, Be part of the HACCP team, Contribute to an innovative and productive working environment that allows each individual to contribute effectively, develop personally and grow professionally, Responsible for ensuring brand integrity is maintained within their area of responsibility Process team to ensure products & processes are developed / launched & optimized, incorporating “Best Manufacturing Principles”. Work collaboratively with all departments to continuously drive improvements in standards to meet aim of ‘being the best it can be. Hours of Work Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm with flexibility to work outside of the core hours when required Benefits Working within one of our state-of-the-art premises you will enjoy a range of benefits including the ability to relax during your break in a restaurant standard canteen with all meals subsidised. We even offer free breakfast and lunch options. You will enjoy free onsite car parking and electric charging points. You will be entitled to free products weekly (Up to 5 free products per person) through our award winning “Shack Initiative.” We have a packed calendar of wellbeing, social and sport events. After you have settled into the Finnebrogue family your perks will only increase including a Healthcare plan, cycle to work scheme, new electric car scheme and we won’t forget the days that are important to you, you will receive your birthday as a holiday day Our list of benefits continue to grow and you don’t have to just take our word for it. We have been awarded Irish News and Grocer Gold Employer of the Year as testimony to the exciting culture and benefits we offer.