Head of Technical

Technical - Taiko Acton

Established in 1997 as the first manufacturer of sushi for the UK supermarket industry, Taiko has evolved into the most innovative manufacturer of Sushi, Food To Go, Prepared Meals and Snacking products in the UK, supplying Waitrose, Tesco and Sainsbury’s to name a few. Over the past 25 years Taiko has launched more first to market Sushi and Food to Go products than any other sushi manufacturer in the UK.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in a senior technical or quality management role within the food manufacturing industry.
• Strong knowledge of BRCGS, HACCP, food safety legislation, and retailer technical requirements.
• Proven experience in leading audits, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.
• Exceptional leadership skills with experience in developing and managing high-performing technical teams.
• Extensive working knowledge of Listeria Management, ready-to-eat (RTE) food safety, and root cause analysis (RCA).

Role overview

As a Head of Technical, you will be the key technical interface for customers, internal teams, and suppliers, ensuring the highest standards of food safety, quality, and legal compliance. Reporting directly to the Head of Technical, you will lead the technical team, drive continuous improvement, and provide strategic direction to enhance technical operations and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Provide senior-level technical expertise, advising the business on food safety, compliance, and quality standards to align with company objectives and industry best practices.
• Technical Governance: Oversee all aspects of food safety, quality, and regulatory compliance, ensuring full adherence to legal, corporate, and BRCGS accreditation requirements.
• Supplier & Customer Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and customers, providing technical leadership and ensuring all products meet agreed standards.
• Quality Management System (QMS): Ensure the QMS is effectively managed, regularly reviewed, and continuously improved to drive operational excellence.
• Audit & Compliance Management: Lead customer and third-party audits, ensuring the business consistently meets certification and compliance standards.
• HACCP & Risk Management: Lead the HACCP team, ensuring effective risk assessments, reviews, and implementation of corrective and preventative actions.
• Supplier Assurance & Compliance: Oversee supplier audits and approvals, ensuring a robust supplier management system is in place to maintain product integrity and quality.
• Technical Team Leadership: Manage and develop the technical team, providing coaching, training, and succession planning to build capability and expertise.

We're proud to offer:

• Opportunity to grow your career alongside with us with available apprentice program
• Brilliant support services designed to enhance your physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
• Annual discretionary bonus subject to business and overall performance
• Discretionary Life Assurance
• Discretionary Income Protection
• Group Personal Pension
• Private Medical Cash Plan
• Bespoke reward platform including access to retail, cinema & gym discounts.