Factory Technical and Compliance Manager

Factory Technical and Compliance Manager Fresh Produce | High Care | Chilled & Ambient Foods

West London | Full-time | Permanent

Are you a hands-on Technical Manager with strong experience in high-care chilled food, fresh produce, or perishable environments? Do you thrive in fast-paced, standards-driven operations where compliance, food safety, and sustainability are at the heart of everything?

We are hiring for a Factory Technical & Compliance Manager to join a forward-thinking, vertically integrated food business supplying UK retail and foodservice customers with premium fresh produce sourced globally and handled in state-of-the-art chilled facilities.

The Role

In this critical role, you will be the technical lead on site, fully responsible for the factory's quality systems, product compliance, and audit readiness in a high-care chilled and ambient environment. You'll lead a skilled team to ensure all food products meet rigorous food safety standards, customer specifications, and evolving legislative and retail requirements.

This role combines strategic oversight with daily operational involvement, ideal for someone who is both technically strong and people-focused.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and manage a skilled Quality & Compliance team.
• Ensure factory-wide compliance with BRCGS, GMP, customer codes of practice, and company standards.
• Take full ownership of internal audits, external inspections, and customer visits.
• Maintain and continuously improve the Quality Management System (QMS).
• Oversee HACCP, microbiological, and physio-chemical testing plans for raw materials, processes, and finished products.
• Champion allergen control, traceability, labelling, and temperature-critical processes.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with production, technical, and NPD teams to support product launches and improvements.
• Own KPI reporting, waste management strategies, and customer complaint resolution.
• Ensure that all products dispatched are safe, legal, and meet customer expectations.

About You

• Degree (QCF Level 6) in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field.
• Level 4 HACCP and Food Safety for Manufacturing.
• Health and safety at work level 3 
• Strong experience in fresh produce, chilled ready-to-eat, or high-care food manufacturing.
• Knowledge of retailer standards (e.g., M&S, Tesco, Aldi, Co-op) and audit protocols (BRCGS, customer-specific).
• Proven leadership in managing technical/QA teams in a factory setting.
• Skilled in specification writing, product risk assessment, and micro controls.
• Confident dealing with customers, suppliers, and third-party auditors.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and data presentation skills.
• Flexible, proactive, and committed to continuous improvement and sustainable practices.

Why Join?

You'll be part of a values-driven, sustainable food business with a global grower base, UK-based state-of-the-art high care facilities, and a strong track record of innovation, community investment, and environmental responsibility.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a genuine impact at factory level while influencing wider technical strategy.

Ready to take the next step?

If you're a Technical Manager, Quality Manager, or Factory QA Lead with experience in chilled food, fresh produce, or high-risk food environments, wed love to hear from you.

Pay: negotiable, up to £60k + bonus. 

Apply today or contact us to learn more.