Job Description

The Technical Manager is responsible for leading the Food Safety and Quality Management System (FSQMS) across Dyson Farming’s CEA, processing and ingredients operations. The role ensures compliance with all legal, customer and certification requirements while driving continuous improvement in food safety, quality, technical performance and regulatory compliance.

The position acts as the key technical contact for customers, certification bodies and regulatory authorities, supporting business growth through effective technical leadership, audit management and customer engagement.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation, maintenance and continuous improvement of the Food Safety and Quality Management System (FSQMS).
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, customer requirements and certification standards, including BRCGS, Red Tractor and retailer-specific requirements.
• Develop, validate and maintain HACCP systems across all operational areas.
• Manage customer technical requirements, ensuring compliance with specifications, codes of practice and contractual obligations.
• Act as the primary technical contact for customers, providing professional technical support and maintaining strong working relationships.
• Drive continuous improvement in product quality, food safety, sustainability and operational performance.
• Lead internal, external, customer and certification audits, ensuring successful outcomes and ongoing audit readiness.
• Maintain compliance across all operational areas, including strawberry production, oil pressing, cosmetic ingredients and farm assurance schemes.
• Ensure cosmetic ingredient operations meet all applicable regulatory and traceability requirements.
• Communicate technical standards, requirements and updates effectively across the business and external stakeholders.
• Lead technical and compliance projects aligned with business objectives.
• Contribute to the strategic development of production systems, technical standards and product portfolios.
• Promote a positive food safety, quality and compliance culture across the business.
• Demonstrate visible leadership in health and safety and ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the level and responsibility of the role.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Proven experience in a senior technical or quality management role within food, fresh produce, agriculture, processing or ingredients sectors.
• Strong knowledge of food safety management systems, HACCP and quality assurance principles.
• Experience managing compliance against standards such as BRCGS, Red Tractor and customer-specific requirements.
• Experience leading internal, external and customer audits.
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance, traceability and risk management.
• Experience managing technical requirements across multiple sites, products or operations.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organisational, analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

Desirable

• Experience within Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA).
• Knowledge of cosmetic ingredient regulations and compliance requirements.
• Relevant qualification in Food Science, Agriculture, Quality Management or a related discipline.
• Lead Auditor qualification or equivalent auditing experience.

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• High levels of integrity, accountability and professionalism.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to high standards.
• Customer-focused with a strong understanding of technical and commercial requirements.
• Proactive, resilient and solutions-oriented.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Adaptable and flexible, with an understanding of seasonal business demands.
• Able to work effectively under pressure within a fast-moving production environment.
• Committed to continuous improvement and professional development.
• Strong commitment to health, safety, quality and compliance.

Benefits

• Discretionary management bonus;
• Private health insurance;
• 24 days holiday plus bank holidays;
• Life assurance;
• Pension scheme;
• Charitable Giving via payroll (Give as You Earn);
• Cycle to work scheme;
• Free annual flu jab;
• Free eye test;
• Employee Assistant Programme;
• Access to product discounts;
• Organised social events;
• Free parking.