Senior Technical Manager

As the Senior Technical Manager you will contribute to achieving our commitment to an ethical, sustainable supply chain with minimal environmental impact. You will be accountable for the integrity of product and technical data, product quality and safety complaints, recall, supplier accreditations and technical projects and queries. You will ensure the Technical team are equipped to ensure the integrity of the product and technical data and utilise your expertise in upcoming industry relevent legislation and technical changes to develop and evolve best-in-class-solutions.

Some responsibilities of the role include:

• Leading the Technical department in a positive, customer-focused, and professional manner.
• Recruit, train and develop the team both for new positions and succession planning.
• Develop a diverse, inclusive, solutions-oriented, and customer service focused culture through coaching and mentoring the team and ancouraging two-way communication.
• Listen to employee, stakeholder and customer feedback and take action to improve employee engagement and improve and develop Best Companies action plans and results.

• Share ideas and develop innovative ways of working to improve company performance and employee engagement in line with the business strategy within the departmental budget.

• Ensure that the department demonstrates professionalism and delivers an awesome customer experience to both internal and external customers.

• Conduct 121s, performance, induction, absence reviews and staff searches in line with company policies and procedures.

• Line management responsibilities and accountability for the provision of management cover and supervisory support to colleagues in the wider team.

• Provide support, guidance, and expertise to internal stakeholders in context of supplier selection, supplier expertise, product quality attributes and control parameters which will successfully contribute to exceeding customer expectations, growing sales, and profit.

• Oversee the management of Saffron nutritional & allergen reporting software and deliver training and support both internally & externally.

• Ensure internal compliance to meet externally achieved certifications.

• Accountable for the efficient, timely and appropriate resolution of food quality and safety complaints.

• Ensure that customer product complaints are handled effectively, monitor trends, and ensure that our robust processes continue to develop and evolve.

• Effective supplier management to include initial selection & approval; conduct site visits (ifrequired); set & monitor clear technical expectations; provide guidance & support, issue performance updates and instigate joint business/improvement plans.

• Accountable for the accuracy of specifications for all products across multiple platforms and maintenance of the approved supplier database.

• Maintain awareness of packaging regulations (EPR), compliance, and submit in accordance withregulatory requirements.

• Keep up to date with upcoming legislative and industry changes and build best-in-class solutions for our customer base.

• Improve internal process documentation to ensure procedures are changed and improve efficiency.

• Provide expertise and guidance on relevant third-party customer portals.

• Scope, design and deliver audits and business-related projects. Including continuous improvement, food safety.

• Ensure data integrity, security, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Develop and improve our offering of eco-friendly & better for you products.

• Report on, identify and influence suppliers to embrace biodegradable labels, and non-plastic alternatives.

• Support consolidation of our suppliers and the achievement of a 10% reduction in deliveries to our sites.

• Ensure allergen information is maintained up to date, on our nutritional software and encourage customers to utilise this for menu allergen tracking and provision of ESG ratings.

• Ensure compliance and monitor audit and certification schemes (e.g Red Tractor, RSPCA, CQUIN & Soil Association).

• Share knowledge and expertise with suppliers to educate and inform them on ways they can work more sustainably, and the benefits this will deliver to their business and our working relationships.

• Review, monitor and manage our strict ethical codes of practice ensuring adherence from both prospective and existing suppliers. To include the enforcement of penalties for non-compliance.

• Review, audit and maintain our zero-tolerance policy to inhumane working conditions.

We are looking for someone who shares our values, is keen to support with our ambitious growth plans and has proven experience of working in a Senior Technical role.

Essential:

• Excellent I.T and administration skills (including intermediate Excel) as well as attention to detail and a methodical approach to work
• Customer Service Focus, Excellent communication, interpersonal, relationship building, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• An action-oriented individual, who is solutions focused, can manage multiple priorities, and deliver results on time.
• A good team player, with tenacity and good problem-solving skills that follows processes in place and prioritises business improvement.
• Passionate about food safety and interested in nutrition and allergen information.
• Enthusiastic, proactive, self-motivated individual with a passion for continuous professional development.
• Adaptable to change, creative and interested in learning and developing both the team and commercial outputs for the business area.
• Excellent presentation skills and confident presenting to large audiences of both internal and external customers.
• Excellent food product knowledge and experience of the food industry gained within a wholesale or manufacturing environment.
• Experience and knowledge of European and UK food Legislation.
• Experience managing technical and/or compliance specialists within an office environment.
• Experience and knowledge of quality management and project management
• HACCP and IOSHH level three qualification
• TACCP and VACCP Level two qualification
• Degree level qualification in food science or similar.
• Experience working with ERP systems.
• Experience delivering software presentations and training.
• Experience managing people in all aspects of the employee lifecycle, coaching, mentoring, and team-building skills.
• Experience preparing and managing action plans and budgets effectively including cost management.

Desirable:

• Project management qualification and good knowledge of agile methodologies.
• Understanding and knowledge of lean six sigma.
• Experience with supplier auditing and familiarity with BRC audit requirements.
• Have a good understanding of commerciality and the impact a Technical & Product Data Manager can have on business income and profitability.