Technical Manager

Sysco (whose UK operating companies include Brakes, Fresh Direct, KFF and Medina) is recruiting a Technical Manager to join our Merchandising team on a full-time, permanent basis. Reporting to the Senior Technical Manager, you will be responsible for managing all aspects of product quality, safety, legality and integrity across a portfolio of own-brand and branded products. Working closely with Category, Procurement, Product Development and supplier partners, you will provide expert technical support that helps deliver high-quality products, supports commercial objectives and ensures customer expectations are consistently exceeded. This role is offering a hybrid working contract , with 1 day per week in our Ashford, Kent office for Team Collaboration, so you must be in a commutable distance and open to travel. This is a varied role that combines supplier management, product governance and continuous improvement. You will play a key role in supplier approval and performance management, specification and artwork approval, complaint investigation and trend analysis, product risk management, and supporting new product development and sourcing initiatives. Using your technical expertise and commercial awareness, you will identify opportunities to improve quality, reduce risk and deliver innovative solutions that add value to the business. You'll also stay abreast of industry developments, emerging risks and regulatory changes, ensuring the business remains compliant and well positioned to respond to market challenges. We're looking for a technically strong food professional with experience working in a fast-paced foodservice, manufacturing or QA/QC environment. You will have a degree in Food Science, Food Technology or a related discipline, together with a strong understanding of Quality Management Systems, HACCP and relevant UK and European food legislation. Experience managing suppliers and products is highly desirable, and a Lead Assessor qualification would be advantageous. Strong communication and stakeholder management skills are essential, as you'll be working cross-functionally with internal teams and external suppliers to drive high standards and continuous improvement. You will be highly organised, customer focused and detail orientated, with excellent planning, project management and problem-solving skills. A tenacious approach and the ability to see projects through to completion will be key to success in this role. What You'll Receive: In return, you'll receive a competitive salary, a £5,500 car allowance, private medical healthcare, a generous holiday allowance with the option to purchase additional leave, and a pension scheme. You'll also benefit from significant discounts across our product ranges, retail and leisure discounts through Sodexo, recognition and incentive programmes, and excellent career development opportunities as part of Sysco, the world's leading foodservice business. At Sysco GB everyone is welcome. We don’t want you to ‘fit our culture’ we want you to help define it and we actively celebrate the unique talents of each and every colleague. We don’t just look at your CV, we’re more focused on who you are and your potential. As part of our values, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone has a voice, is appreciated and has the same opportunities. We work hard to ensure that everyone feels part of our business, as we care for one another and connect the world through food and trusted partnerships. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone belongs and thrives at Sysco GB and we recognise that Sysco GB can only thrive when everyone feels they belong. We'll do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, speak to our resourcing team who will be happy to support you.