Technical Manager

ABOUT THE ROLE:

As Category Technical Manager at GAIL’s, you will be at the forefront of food safety, quality, and compliance across a dynamic artisan bakery supply chain.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Food Safety & Technical Governance

• Ensure all operational processes and finished goods are controlled through robust HACCP systems, delivering full compliance with food safety and legal obligations.
• Develop and trend HACCP KPIs, proactively driving improvement plans across supplier and internal sites.
• Lead root cause investigations into product deviations and implement robust CAPAs (corrective and preventive actions).
• Provide technical direction on food safety, allergen management, traceability, and critical control point adherence.
• Maintain technical governance to achieve audit readiness and alignment with internal, external, legal, and customer standards.

Audit & Compliance Management

• Lead preparation for and delivery of internal, supplier, and third-party audits, ensuring GAIL’s compliance to technical standards and brand promise.
• Collaborate with supply and production teams to close audit gaps and implement lasting improvements.
• Track and report performance against key audit metrics and customer requirements.

Supplier & Customer Interface

• Build strong technical partnerships with suppliers (e.g. CK), supporting selection, onboarding, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide structured feedback to suppliers and internal teams based on customer concerns or audit findings.

Quality Assurance & Continuous Improvement

• Support innovation and NPD by ensuring technical feasibility and risk mitigation during product launches or changes.
• Collaborate with operations to resolve concerns and prevent recurrence.
• Lead technical response in any crisis or serious non-conformance events.

Leadership & Team Development

• Provide leadership and coaching across the technical function, ensuring team members are engaged, trained, and high-performing.
• Deliver team development plans, succession pipelines, and skills audits aligned to business growth.
• Promote a culture of ownership, food safety awareness, and continuous improvement across all sites.

AND YOU THE MISSING INGREDIENT:

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or related discipline
• Extensive experience in a technical or quality leadership role within bakery, chilled, or broader FMCG sectors
• Strong knowledge of UK/EU food legislation, HACCP, BRCGS, and customer standards
• Proven success managing suppliers, audits, and technical risk

BENEFITS BAKED IN:

• Free food and drink when working
• 50% off food and drink when not working
• 25 days holiday + Bank holiday
• Pension Scheme
• Discounts and Savings from high-street retailers and restaurants
• 24 hour GP service
• Cycle to work scheme
• Twice yearly pay review
• Development programmes for you to RISE with GAIL’s