Technical Services Manager

Job Title: Technical Services Manager

Industry: FMCG Food Manufacturing

Location: Newtownards

Company Overview

We are a leading FMCG food manufacturing business supplying major retail and foodservice customers across the UK and Ireland. With a strong focus on quality, innovation, and customer partnership, we are looking to appoint an experienced Technical Services Manager to strengthen our technical governance and customer compliance capability.

Role Overview

The Technical Services Manager will play a critical role in ensuring compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements while acting as a key technical interface with customers. This role will focus on technical systems, specifications, audits, and customer technical support, working closely with Technical, Quality, NPD, and Operations teams.

This is a highly visible role with responsibility for technical governance and supporting business growth through robust compliance frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Systems & Compliance

• Maintain and continuously improve the site Quality Management System (QMS) in line with BRCGS, HACCP, and legislative requirements.
  
• Ensure compliance with all relevant food safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
  
• Manage traceability, allergen controls, product integrity systems, and risk assessments.
  
• Lead internal audit programmes and manage third-party audit actions and close-outs.
  

Customer & Retailer Technical Interface

• Act as the primary technical contact for key customers and retailers.
  
• Manage customer audits, technical queries, complaints, and technical approvals.
  
• Support customer submissions, technical documentation, and retailer portals.
  
• Build strong technical relationships with customers and certification bodies.
  

Specifications & Labelling Management

• Oversee product specifications, ingredient declarations, allergen statements, and nutritional data.
  
• Ensure product labelling and claims comply with UK and EU legislation.
  
• Support NPD launches with technical sign-off and documentation.
  

Technical Governance & Continuous Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement in technical systems and compliance processes.
  
• Monitor regulatory updates and ensure the business remains compliant.
  
• Deliver technical training and awareness programmes across the business.
  

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Manage and develop technical services and specifications team members (where applicable).
  
• Work closely with Technical, Quality, NPD, and Operations teams to ensure aligned technical governance.
  
• Provide technical support and guidance to cross-functional teams.
  

Candidate Profile

Essential:

• Degree or equivalent in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related discipline.
  
• Proven experience in a technical, quality, or compliance role within FMCG food manufacturing.
  
• Strong knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP, food safety legislation, and retailer standards.
  
• Experience managing audits and customer technical relationships.
  
• Excellent attention to detail with strong documentation and organisational skills.
  
• Confident communicator with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
  

Desirable:

• Experience in chilled, fresh, or high-risk food manufacturing environments.
  
• Previous experience managing specifications systems and retailer portals.
  
• Line management experience within a technical or compliance function.
  

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary.
  
• Opportunity to work in a fast-paced FMCG environment supplying major retailers.
  
• Career development within a growing and ambitious business.
  
• High level of autonomy and visibility within the technical function.