Job Title: Head of Technical (Food / Poultry Manufacturing)
Location: Preston
Salary: Competitive – Dependent on experience
Job type: Full time, Permanent
We are excited to be working with a dynamic and rapidly growing family-owned business in Preston to recruit a Head of Technical. Gafoor is a key player in their sector operating on a national basis, supplying poultry products to leading blue chip manufacturers and retailers.
Technical integrity and food safety is at the forefront of the business and we are looking for a leader who will take on responsibility for maintaining and continuously improving the quality management systems as well as leading a team across a 24/5 working pattern. Responsible for technical compliance, food safety, quality and hygiene the successful candidate will also oversee the environmental, and health and safety functions onsite.
Key Responsibilities:
- Responsibility of ensuring that the facility operates on an audit ready basis all day, every day
- Develop and maintain a robust auditing programme that continues to meet the requirements set by BRC and all major retailers
- Develop a quality culture throughout the facility by supporting the senior team to continuously improve against standards
- The site lead for all audits and contact with FSA, EA, EHO, HSE and on-site OVS
- Ensure improvement plans are in place and report to the board in relation to KPI’S, trends and non-conformances
- Collaborate with other departments to provide technical guidance and leadership to support all areas of the business
- Lead and be a figurehead of the company’s H&S committee
About you:
Key attributes and skills:
- Proven track record in delivering results by working with cross-functional teams
- Knowledge and an in-depth understanding of quality management, audit compliance, and BRC standards
- Degree in food science or equivalent with significant (10 years +) experience at management level within the food industry, preferably meat processing
- Exceptional delivery of technical standards in a large food manufacturing environment
- Experience of delivering change programmes in a large and busy site
- Excellent stakeholder management with strong communication skills
- Strong knowledge in Health & Safety legislation, good working practices as well as regulatory inspections/servicing compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
- The ability to show best practice and challenge decisions where necessary
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent presentation skills, able to confidently represent the Company at external events, audits and customer visits
- Internal auditing skills
- Keen eye for detail and excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
Additional Information:
When applying applicants should provide a covering letter detailing their salary expectations, availability to commence work and domestic current location.
If you are seeking the chance to join a well-established company at an exciting stage in their growth, please click the APPLY button to send your CV in for immediate consideration.
Candidates with experience or relevant job titles of; QHSE Manager, Food Safety Inspector, Food Safety Auditor, SHEQ Coordinator, Health and Safety Auditor, Food Safety Assessor, Quality Manager, Quality Assurance Lead, Food Safety Supervisor, Quality Auditor, Continuous Improvement Manager and Quality Assurance Manager may also be considered for this role.
