Kirsty’s is a rapidly growing food manufacturing business, trading over multiple categories within the chilled & frozen and ready to eat fixtures supplying all major retailers. In a relatively modest factory, we can produce up to 200,000 meals a week, our culture is built on respect, teamwork, ambition and excellence and we are looking for an experienced and knowledgeable individual to lead our Technical Team.
The Technical Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring the successful operation of the ready meals manufacturing business, contributing directly to product quality, food safety, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction. This position demands a combination of technical expertise, leadership, and a proactive approach to continuous improvement in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.
Job Responsibilities
Reviewing factory documentation to ensure compliance and product traceability
Management of the Supplier Approval Programme, including supplier and specification risk assessment and approval. Ensuring an up to date chain of custody is available for all raw materials and that this is maintained on an ongoing basis.
Management of all factory and supplier non-conformances with corrective actions agreed with appropriate timescales.
Conduct regular audits and assessments of production processes and products to identify and address any non-conformances.
Maintain the sites microbiological testing schedule, overseeing the collation of samples, ensuring all required samples are collected and tested in accordance with the schedule in place
Management of the site HACCP, VACCP and TACCP plan and team
Management of the sites internal audit programme
Responsibility for the development and maintenance of the site’s QMS
Manage and develop the Technical and QA team to ensure that all products meet food safety, quality and legal requirements.
Provide and manage training on quality control, food safety, and production systems to wider teams in the business.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement, focusing on quality and operational efficiencies.
Lead all customer and accreditation body audits (BRCGS, EHO, Export certification and any additional customer visits)
Organise and oversee routine traceability exercises and mock recall tests, ensuring the system can achieve and maintain full traceability.
Provide Technical knowledge to the Senior Team including reporting of Technical KPIs, horizon scanning and non-conformances.
Communicate site performance on quality and food safety to the remainder of the factory teams.
Ownership and Management of the Technical department budget
Co-ordination of the Hygiene activity on site.
Management of the site allergen testing programme and production of allergen products to ensure no cross contamination.
Collaborate with the production team to ensure smooth integration of new products.
Analyse production data to identify trends, potential issues, and areas for improvement.
Ensure that food safety and health and safety procedures are strictly followed at all times.
Key skills:
Good communication and excellent people skills with the ability to influence on all levels
Resilience, drive and determination to promote best practice
Experience of working in a food manufacturing environment
HACCP Level 3
Food Safety Level 4
Working knowledge of BRCGS version 9
Internal Auditing
Working at Kirsty’s
~ Competitive compensation (£50,000 - £55,000 dependent upon experience)
~ Nutritious on-site meals
~ Parking
~ Company Pension
~ Employee Recognition Scheme
~33 days holiday, including bank holidays
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £50,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Company pension
Discounted or free food
On-site parking
Cash plan and PMI
Schedule:
~8 hour shift
~ Monday to Friday
Application question(s):
Do you have working knowledge of BRCGS version 9?
How much people management experience do you have?
Experience:
~ Food Manufacturing: 7 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
HACCP Level 3 Certificate (required)
Food Safety Level 4 Certificate (required)
Internal Auditing Certificate (required)
Work Location: In person
Expected start date: 17/03/2025