Head of Technical

EXPERIENCED HEAD OF TECHNICAL – BAKERY
Based – Bala
Salary - £60k pa
As part of the Senior Leadership Team the Head of Technical has excellent communication, organisational and decision-making skills, with the ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines. As the main point of contact for technical customer visits and audits you must be able to demonstrate active involvement in the factory and have a motivational and coaching approach. You will provide continuous development to the Technical Team. You must be able to maintain the standards required by the Company and customers to meet or exceed expectations. Experience of working to and achieving high standards against the BRC gold standard and retailer relevant standards suppliers is key. You will be robust in your approach, compliance focused and looking to immerse yourself in a fast paced and challenging environment.
The purpose of the role is to define and implement the sites compliance to quality, food safety and regulatory requirements. As well as lead the food safety and quality ethos ensuring continuous improvement and compliance with BRCGS, customer and any additional site standards.
What will you gain
· A collaborative and supportive working environment.
· Recognition and respect for your skills and experience.
· Autonomy to lead and develop your team.
· A competitive salary circa £60K per annum.
· 33 days holiday a year inclusive of bank and public holidays.
· Paid sick and compassionate leave.
· Pension.
· Free on-site parking.
· Signing bonus at weeks 13 and 26.
· Referral scheme.
· Management social events.
· A real commitment to your development and wellbeing.
· Lots of ad hoc treats throughout the year.
Key areas of accountability include, but are not limited to:
- Lead the technical function for the site ensuring the workload is completed in a timely manner, to required standards.
- Ongoing team training and development, completion of annual appraisals and support where required.
- To manage and lead all 3rd party audits including the latest BRCGS, all retailers and accreditation schemes including RSPO, UTZ etc.
- HACCP team lead including management of the HACCP system and associated documents and with implementation into the factory.
- TACCP/VACCP team lead including management of risk assessments and associated documents.
- Implementation and management of the FSQMS system including completion and review of procedures, paperwork, and spreadsheets etc.
- Overall responsibility for ensuring retailer and 3rd party standards are met and upheld across the site, driving audit ready every day standards in both the factory environment and documentation
- Responsible for all food relevant legal compliance, including changes to legislation/regulations and requirements including those related to post BREXIT.
- Key contact for all retailer management including face to face interaction, reviews and issues, support in management of retailer systems and updates.
- Liaison with departmental heads.
- Supplier assurance:
- Support supplier and raw material approval Supplier approval audits/visits.
- Completion of risk assessments.
- Micro, chemical, nutritional, allergenic risk assessments, and associated testing schedule.
- Traceability & mass balance schedules including recall & withdrawal.
- Internal audit schedule & management.
- Technical team budget and spend management.
- KPI Reporting.
How you will be measured:
· Achieve and maintain a minimum of BRC Grade A in unannounced audits.
· Improve and pass all retailer audits year on year.
· Completion of Technical KPI and adherence to targets.
· Retailer specifications and artwork right first time.
You will have the following skills and experience:
· Experience within Technical in the food industry essential, ideally within bakery.
· Previous management experience within a technical team.
· Degree level or similar in food science-based degree or qualification by experience.
· HACCP Level 4.
· Food Safety Level 4.
· TACCP/VACCP Training.
· Allergen Training.
· Lead Auditor Trained.
· Experience of compliance to the latest BRCGS Standard.
· Knowledge of retailer systems and codes of practice.
· Accuracy, attention to detail and numerate approach to provide data on time in the right format.
· Proactive and finds solutions to problems.
· Confident, articulate, and courteous communicator in all methods of communication.
· Actively works with the team to create a positive team environment.
· Is highly flexible, competent, and adaptable and takes responsibility for own learning.
· Undertakes tasks with enthusiasm and always takes pride in your work. Communicates effectively at all levels, considers other’s opinions, and always treats others with respect.
· Displays a positive and professional attitude.
If you possess the following, that would be great too:
· BRC audit experience.
· Experience working with retailer specification systems.
· Knowledge of suppliers practice