Assistant Technical & Quality Manager

Job Description

Job Overview:

Reporting to the Technical & Quality Manager, the Assistant Technical & Quality Manager supports in overseeing food safety and compliance across Delice de France’s operations. The role involves managing quality systems, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to maintain the highest product quality. The position also requires effective collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders to uphold the company’s commitment to excellence.

Occasional travel to the Coleshill site will be required to support operations and align cross-functional teams.

Key Relationships:

The role reports directly to the Technical & Quality Manager and manages a team of three within the technical department. Close collaboration with internal teams, including Operations, Sales, Supply Chain, NPD, Finance, and HR, to ensure robust quality processes and high standards across the business.

The role involves liaising with suppliers, customers, and third-party auditors to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and promptly address quality-related concerns.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Technical & Quality Manager to lead and manage the technical team, aligning performance with company objectives.
• Mentor and guide the technical team, fostering a culture of accountability, professional development, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct performance reviews, set objectives in collaboration with the Technical & Quality Manager, and ensure the technical team receives appropriate training to meet business and compliance requirements.
• Develop and deliver training programmes to ensure employees understand and adhere to food safety and quality standards.
• Maintain the site specification system (DOSS), ensuring all specifications are current, accurate, and reviewed within established timeframes.
• Ensure technical customer portals are regularly updated and the information provided is accurate and in compliance with customer requirements.
• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of the Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring compliance with BRCGS standards, customer requirements, and legal obligations.
• Lead the HACCP team, identifying, assessing, and controlling food safety risks in line with industry standards.
• Stay up to date on UK and EU food legislation, ensuring all products comply with current regulatory and safety requirements.
• Liaise with suppliers to ensure raw materials meet quality and safety standards, managing the supplier approval process efficiently.
• Oversee the development and approval of product specifications, ensuring they are accurate and compliant with legal and customer standards.
• Work with the NPD team to ensure that new product developments meet all quality and safety requirements.
• Support third-party audits, working with the Technical & Quality Manager to address non-conformances promptly and maintain compliance.
• Manage internal audits, ensuring ongoing adherence to quality and safety protocols through regular reviews.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency, product quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Analyse quality metrics and customer feedback to drive continuous improvement across the company.
• Prepare and present quality performance reports and KPIs to senior management to support informed decision-making.
• Act as the primary technical and quality contact for customers, promptly addressing and resolving technical enquiries.
• Promote a culture of food safety within the company, ensuring best practices are implemented across all departments and encouraging continuous improvement.
• Support departmental objectives by undertaking projects and tasks as assigned by the Technical & Quality Manager.
• Provide operational support during team absences, ensuring continuity of technical functions and minimal disruption.

Essential Experience and Qualifications:

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a technical or quality assurance role within food manufacturing.
• Minimum HACCP Level 3, Food Safety Level 3. GFSI lead auditor qualification would be advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards, regulations, and quality assurance frameworks (e.g., HACCP, SALSA, BRCGS A&B, other third-party Storage & Distribution standards).
• Proven experience in managing and leading technical team.
• Experience with Quality Management Systems (QMS) and standards such as BRCGS.
• Experience in conducting internal and external audits, including preparation and addressing non-conformances.
• Experience in liaising with suppliers to ensure raw materials meet quality and safety standards.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with specification management systems.
• Flexibility to travel between sites, with a valid UK driving licence.

Key Performance Measures:

• Completion of audits with minimal non-conformances.
• Timely resolution of non-conformances and implementation of corrective actions.
• Maintenance of up-to-date and accurate QMS records.
• Improved customer satisfaction through timely query resolution.
• Delivery of reports and documentation within agreed timescales.
• Implementation of process improvements that enhance efficiency and quality.
• Effective training delivery and improved team knowledge of safety and quality protocols.
• Achievement of agreed quality and technical KPIs.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £34,000.00-£38,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Referral programme

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Southall UB2 5LJ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

• How many years of Quality Control (Technical) experience do you have?
• Do you have certificates to support Food Safety Training / COSHH / Natasha’s Law knowledge
• Do you have an up to date knowledge of UK and EU food legislation.
• Are you familiar with Food Safety Standards, Regulations and HACCP, SALSA. BRCGS A&B Principles?
• Do you require any Sponsorship

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: Specifications Technologist