Technical Manager

About Us
Four Seasons Foods is an ambitious and rapidly growing food manufacturer specialising in fruit preparations, compotes, sweet & savoury sauces, fillings and bespoke food ingredients for the food manufacturing industry.
Operating from our modern, purpose built manufacturing facility in Ashford, Kent, we have achieved BRCGS Grade A accreditation and are entering an exciting phase of growth.
We are now looking for a proactive, experienced and hands on Technical Manager to take ownership of our technical and quality function and play a key role in our continued development.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will be responsible for maintaining and improving our food safety, quality and technical systems, ensuring the business consistently meets regulatory, certification and customer requirements.
Key responsibilities include:
* Lead and continuously improve the site's Food Safety and Quality Management System (FSQMS).
* Maintain BRCGS compliance, leading audits and ensuring continuous audit readiness.
* Manage HACCP, food safety, quality assurance and regulatory compliance.
* Lead, support and develop the technical and QA team.
* Oversee customer complaints, investigations, corrective actions and supplier approvals.
* Work closely with production, operations and NPD to support product development, manufacturing standards and successful product launches.
* Drive continuous improvement across technical systems, processes and quality performance.
* Act as the principal technical contact for customers, suppliers and external auditors.
About You
We are looking for someone who combines strong technical knowledge with a practical, solutions-focused approach.
The ideal candidate will have:
* Previous experience in a Technical Manager, Quality Manager or similar role within food manufacturing.
* Strong knowledge of BRCGS Food Safety Standards, HACCP and UK food legislation.
* Experience maintaining and improving food safety and quality management systems.
* Experience managing audits, non-conformances and corrective actions.
* Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.
* A proactive, hands-on approach with the confidence to take ownership and drive improvements.
Experience within sauces, fruit preparations, bakery or dairy ingredients would be advantageous but is not essential.
What We Offer
* Competitive salary of £40,000–£45,000, depending on experience.
* Opportunity to join an ambitious and expanding food manufacturing business.
* A key leadership role with genuine responsibility and autonomy.
* Direct involvement in shaping and developing the technical function.
* Supportive, collaborative working environment.
* Excellent opportunities for professional development and career progression as the business grows.
Why Join Us?
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Technical Manager or an ambitious Quality Manager looking to take the next step in their career.
We are looking for someone who wants to do more than maintain existing standards — someone who can bring fresh ideas, challenge existing processes and help shape the future of our business.
If you are passionate about food safety, quality and continuous improvement and want to make a genuine impact within a growing food manufacturer, we would love to hear from you