Job Description
Technical Manager – South London
Are you a passionate and talented Technical professional looking to gain experience in a thriving business during a period of transformation and growth? Are you looking for a job within a diverse and ethical team with a “people first” culture? Then perhaps we have the job role for you...
Who we are
At Simply Lunch, we are all about improving lives through delicious food
Our commitment to delicious food and our local communities has been central to our South London business since it was founded in 1979. Today, we are as committed as ever to creating high-quality hand-crafted products, made to improve lives and protect our beautiful planet.
All our food is handmade at our kitchens in South London with the same care, love and admiration that we’ve shown since day one.
Our talented team fuels the success at Simply Lunch, combining expertise and passion to craft products that improve lives through delicious food.
The Role
The Technical Manager will be responsible for making sure all products are authentic, safe, legal and produced to the specified quality. You will ensure that AA+ BRCGS accreditation is maintained and lead an excellent example of food safety standards. The role is first point of contact with customers for all the compliances and requirements. This is a key role to the business which will help achieve the company’s vision of becoming a leading chilled food manufacturer in the country.
The role of Technical Manager demands a professional who can communicate effectively across all levels of management and staff, fostering a collaborative environment. A competent understanding of technical matters within the industry together with computer literacy, is essential for this excellent role of Technical Manager.
Key tasks
· Lead BRCGS audits as well as internal auditing and produce accurate supportive documentation.
· Complete regular quality checks and internal audits, ensuring food safety, legality, and quality always.
· Responsibility for building collaborative relationships with our customers to ensure their technical and quality standards and needs are met and exceeded.
· Interfacing with our customers during site visits and audits, business reviews and other key opportunities.
· Responsible for managing our Hygiene team and ensuring a safe environment for food manufacturing.
· Maintain the document control system.
· Being fully competent with all traceability systems and requirements.
· Where non-conformances are reported, take corrective actions as well as conduct product inspections and quality control testing.
· Implement and overseeing GMP, HACCP, microbiological and QC checks.
· Training of staff in food hygiene, assessing staff competency and fostering a culture of food safety.
About You
Reporting to the Technical Director, and responsibility for the Hygiene, Quality Assurance, and Quality Control Teams, we are looking for a candidate with a food science related degree and relevant experience in a similar role within the food manufacturing industry.
The Technical Manager will provide an efficient and effective quality assurance service for the sites, ensuring product safety, quality and compliance. This crucial technical and compliance lead will ensure codes of practice and food safety standards are met and always maintained.
You will lead the company's compliance strategy and create a robust quality assurance plan - which can subsequently be implemented at other sites. The Technical Manager will play a key role in achieving relevant accreditations such as BRC global standards and lead regular audits.
Your ability to provide competent technical and audit support will be key in maintaining strong relationships with customer technical contacts and assisting with peak activity tasks as necessary. In addition to these responsibilities, you will be expected to observe all company policies and procedures, ensuring quality, food safety, authenticity, and legality are uncompromised.
We are looking for candidates that can implement, train, build relationships and bring enthusiasm to the role.
· Good customer facing experience
· Experience of BRCGS audits and internal audits and supporting knowledge
· A good knowledge of BRCGS version 9
· Knowledge of key legislation relating to the food industry
· Organised and able to work to deadlines
· Enthusiasm for fostering a culture of Food Safety
· Computer literate with Microsoft Office knowledge
What will you get in return
Throughout your time at Simply Lunch, you will be supported with on-the-job training and development opportunities to further your career. Here are some of the benefits we offer:
· Free Lunch and beverages
· Christmas and summer parties, staff barbecues and sweet treat days, pizza delivery and ice cream van days (we do love a party)
· Access to 1000’s of retail and service discounts through our “salary extras” online portal
· Cycle to work scheme
· Pension scheme
· Gym Scheme
· Financial and wellbeing services
· Access to mental health champions
· Discounted car repairs and MOT
· Regular Training sessions
· Sponsored staff Development
· One paid Charity day per annum for you to volunteer at a charity of your choice
· 30 days annual leave
· Long Service Awards
Salary and Package
The Technical Manager role offers a competitive salary. You'll be part of a strong team culture, with opportunities for professional growth and development, especially as we continue to expand and innovate.
The position is a full-time day shift with some flexibility required.
Inclusivity and Diversity
Like many other organisations, we are considering with renewed focus what Diversity means to us. What may have been acceptable a short time ago is not sufficient for the future, so we are dedicating a lot of time and resources to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected, especially those who are often excluded or underrepresented.
if you feel that you do not see yourself represented either in the cultural sector or in this professional area because of any part of your identity that makes you special, we would especially like to hear from you.