Immediate start | Outside IR35 | Site-based role

A well-established food manufacturing business in the South West is seeking an experienced Interim Technical Manager to provide immediate leadership across technical, quality and food safety functions.

This is a hands-on, high-impact assignment for a seasoned technical leader who can step in quickly, stabilise operations and drive continuous improvement during a period of transition.

About the Opportunity

This interim assignment offers the chance to make a tangible difference in a busy manufacturing environment.

You will take ownership of the site’s technical function, ensuring robust compliance with BRCGS, HACCP and customer codes of practice while mentoring the existing team and strengthening systems for long-term success.

The role is outside IR35, ideal for experienced contractors or interim managers operating through their own limited company.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the technical and quality function across the site, providing clear direction and accountability for food safety, compliance and customer standards.

• Own and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring audit readiness for BRCGS, customer audits and regulatory inspections.

• Act as the principal technical contact for customers, suppliers, auditors and internal stakeholders, resolving queries and driving corrective actions.

• Manage HACCP, allergen, hygiene and GMP standards, leading investigations into non-conformances and implementing robust preventive measures.

• Support NPD and technical projects, reviewing specifications, artwork and feasibility from a compliance perspective.

• Coach and develop the technical team, building capability and succession planning to leave a stronger function than you found it.

• Drive continuous improvement across technical KPIs, customer complaints, supplier performance and operational efficiency.

Essential experience and skills

You will be a proven Technical Manager or senior technical leader within food manufacturing, comfortable operating at site level with full accountability for compliance and team leadership.  Ideally you will also have:

• Extensive background in food manufacturing technical management (chilled, ambient or high-care environments).

• Strong knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP (Level 3+), food safety legislation and retailer codes of practice.

• Demonstrable success leading customer, third-party and regulatory audits with strong corrective action management.

• Excellent communication skills with the credibility to influence at operational and leadership level.

• Ability to hit the ground running, assess situations quickly and implement practical solutions under pressure.

• Outside IR35 status and immediate availability.

Desirable:

• Experience in interim or contract leadership assignments within food manufacturing.

• Background in high-risk or high-care production environments

• Scientific or technical qualification (HND, degree or equivalent)

Assignment Details

• Location: South West UK (exact site disclosed on application)

• Start: ASAP – immediate availability essential

• Duration: Initial interim assignment with potential extension

• Status: Outside IR35 (limited company contractors preferred)

• Reporting to: Site Leadership Team / Group Technical Director

How to Apply

If you are an experienced Technical Manager available for an immediate interim assignment, please get in touch with full CV and availability. Confidential discussions welcome.