Job Description:

Senior Technical Officer

• Annual Salary: £45,000
• Location: Seaham
• Job Type: Full-time

We are seeking a Senior Technical Officer to provide senior technical support to the Technical Manager at our Seaham site. This role is crucial for maintaining and continuously improving food safety, quality, legality, and compliance standards. As a deputy to the Technical Manager, the Senior Technical Officer will lead supplier assurance, quality management systems, and regulatory compliance efforts, playing a vital role in strengthening the site's technical capabilities and supporting long-term succession planning.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Maintain and continuously improve the site's Food Safety and Quality Management Systems, ensuring compliance with internal and external accreditation requirements.
• Lead supplier assurance activities including supplier approval, auditing, risk assessment, and corrective action management.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, legal, and customer requirements including BRCGS, HACCP, AIB, HALAL, KOSHER, and customer-specific standards.
• Investigate customer complaints, supplier issues, process non-conformances, and product quality concerns, driving robust corrective and preventative actions.
• Complete and maintain ingredient, raw material, and packaging risk assessments to protect product integrity and food safety.
• Act as deputy to the Technical Manager, providing technical leadership, supporting team development, and contributing to succession planning activities.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives, technical projects, laboratory development, and audit preparation activities.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Degree, HND, or equivalent qualification in Food Science, Food Technology, Quality Management, or a related discipline.
• HACCP qualification (minimum Intermediate level).
• Lead Auditor qualification (preferred).
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a food manufacturing technical/quality environment.
• Proven track record in Food Safety & Quality Management Systems, Supplier Auditing & Assurance, and Regulatory Compliance.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary package.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive team.
• Dynamic work environment that values innovation and continuous improvement.

To apply for the Senior Technical Officer position, please submit your CV and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this role.