Imaginative Teaching Resources & Inspirational Career Ideas from the Chilled Food Industry
Chilled food technical roles are very diverse, often challenging and always dynamic. And they offer excellent career progression. Typical roles fall into four main groups:
1. Laboratory-based roles assuring the safety and quality of food.
2. Development roles working with food to develop and launch new products.
3. Working in the supply chain with suppliers and customers.
4. Working with teams in factories to help develop good manufacturing practices.
Check out the career paths of Technical Manager Sue Evans, Subject Matter Expert for Protein Chris Roddis, Technical Compliance Manager Richard Barrett, Technical Improvement Manager Heather Hayward, Group Food Law Coordinator Margaret Williams, Company Microbiologist Fiona Brookes, Technical Executives Martin Ford and Greg Hunn, Technical Director Simon Knight, and Group Technical Directors Neil Khandke, Mark Shippey and Helen Sisson.
Example job descriptions:
This is a job for someone with a vast knowledge of food. It should also be your passion, as you’ll be continually researching and appraising the UK food market. Your eyes are on the future, constantly looking ahead. You will develop new and innovative product concepts for the development team and drive innovation for the company. You will present unique and creative ideas to […]
Click on info sheet for more details and download a pdfThis job focusses on future foods and new ideas, ensuring that technical and quality standards are met and maintained at the same time as maximising profitability. Reporting to the Senior Concept Developer / New Product Development (NPD) Manager you will develop and introduce new and/or upgraded food concepts. Your job is to drive these concepts through development, all the time ensuring that technical and quality standards […]
Click on info sheet for more details and download a pdfThis job is all about innovation. It’s for someone who wants to shape how new foods will taste and look in the future. Working with a wide team of people you will assist with new product developments and innovations – seeing them through from initial concept through factory trial to launch at the same time meeting all the requirements of internal and external targets […]
Click on info sheet for more details and download a pdfParticipating in the site’s HACCP team you will ensure that the Quality Management System (QMS) is developed and accreditations maintained, in line with relevant codes, conducting internal audits against the QMS. You will ensure that the correct microbiological regimes are in place for product and environments, analysing the results and giving feedback to appropriate parties. […]
Click on info sheet for more details and download a pdfYou will support the handling and administration of all routine aspects of customer-related technical issues, maintain records and use specification systems. Info sheet coming soon
Click on info sheet for more details and download a pdfYour job is supporting the technical side of the food industry. Your work is crucial in all areas from food safety to food quality. Reporting to the Senior Laboratory Technicians you will work as a bench level technician, on all aspects of analysis and preparation associated with designated laboratory work, carrying out analytical testing and support activities.
Click on info sheet for more details and download a pdfReporting to the Technical Services Manager (TSM) you will provide administrative support to the Technical Services team with key responsibility for analysis (both microbiological and chemical), reporting and corrective action. You will assist the TSM in the control of departmental costs, with specific emphasis on testing costs with the external laboratory provider.
Click on info sheet for more details and download a pdfA product specification ensures consistency of quality and standard and so this is a role for someone who enjoys detail and has a thorough approach. Reporting to the Process Development Manager you will ensure that product details are accurately uploaded onto the specification systems, pack artwork is signed off and the relevant technical/process information is […]
Click on info sheet for more details and download a pdfThis job is about driving processes and making things happen. It’s also about innovation and looking for new approaches. You will be challenging current practices to improve efficiencies, quality and profitability. Reporting to the Process Development Manager you will ensure the smooth transition of product concepts from kitchen through the manufacturing process – from concept […]
Click on info sheet for more details and download a pdfThe raw materials used in chilled food are crucial. They need to be of the highest possible standard and used in processes that are hygienic and safe. Reporting to the Technical Services Manager you will manage the Low Risk QA team and associated procedures to ensure that all products are manufactured safe and hygienically from […]
Click on info sheet for more details and download a pdfReporting to the QA Manager you will ensure that site technical and customer practices are applied fully thereby assuring the integrity, wholesomeness and safety of the products manufactured by the site. You will supervise teams to ensure the delivery of this.
Click on info sheet for more details and download a pdfIn the food industry excellent hygiene is a necessity. This role is crucial for food safety and quality. Reporting to senior management, e.g. the Technical Director, you will manage the cleaning of the factory, potentially through the use of external contractors, to monitor and maintain excellent hygiene standards and ensuring company compliance with customer cleaning […]
Click on info sheet for more details and download a pdfReporting to the Quality Assurance Manager you are the technical connection between retail customers and the company’s suppliers. As the ‘middle man’ you ensure suppliers always understand and meet customer expectations and schemes. And you must also develop a track record for excellence in this area compared with competitors and the industry as a whole.
Click on info sheet for more details and download a pdfA food company relies on its foods being manufactured safely and hygienically. These functions are central to the smooth running and success of the business. Reporting to the Technical Controller this role manages the Quality Assurance function and ensures that all products are manufactured safe and hygienically, to the highest possible quality standards and conforming to […]
Click on info sheet for more details and download a pdfThis is a job for someone with drive and commitment to see a product right through its development to final launch. Reporting to the Process Development Manager you will ensure the smooth transition of product concepts from kitchen through the manufacturing process – from concept approval to launch. You will drive, process, ensuring that technical […]
Click on info sheet for more details and download a pdfYou will arrange, carry out and document audits of a company’s suppliers (e.g. ingredients, packaging materials) against various agreed standards. You will travel throughout the UK and potentially abroad. Info sheet coming soon
Click on info sheet for more details and download a pdfThis role calls for someone with the drive and skills to see a project through from beginning to end. Reporting to the Technical Controller you will ensure the smooth transition of product concepts from kitchen through the manufacturing process – from concept approval to launch. You will drive the development process ensuring that technical and […]
Click on info sheet for more details and download a pdfAuditors assess compliance with current legislation, codes of practice and best practice. Audits are carried out against agreed and weighted criteria. You will prepare and conduct audits, make presentations to and provide explanations of food safety documents to staff as necessary, and play a role in continuous improvement team reviews of the audit program. You […]
Click on info sheet for more details and download a pdfThis is a key role and ideal for someone who enjoys co-ordinating projects and team working. It’s all about ensuring everyone is correctly briefed to do their job efficiently and effectively. To do this you will assist the Technical Manager in ensuring that the site’s technical requirements are met, and you’ll be interacting with technical […]
Click on info sheet for more details and download a pdfThis role is vital. It ensures that all foods are manufactured both safely and hygienically from the best quality raw materials and to the highest possible standards. To achieve this you will manage the quality management system and supplier base to ensure that all ingredients and finished products conform to specification and current legislation.
Click on info sheet for more details and download a pdfYou will ensure that all of the site’s technical requirements are met, interacting with technical and operations teams to drive forward standards and customer expectations. Check out the career path of Technical Manager Sue Evans (New Covent Garden Soup/Hain Daniels) and Technical Improvement Manager Heather Hayward (Ferndale Foods).
Click on info sheet for more details and download a pdfReporting to the site Director you will manage the technical function on-site and in so doing ensure that all prepared and finished products are safe and conform to specifications and current legislation. This job holder spends 80% of their time on-site and the remaining time with customers, suppliers and technical agencies.
Click on info sheet for more details and download a pdfThe most senior technical role at site level, you will be responsible for all technical issues including food safety, New Product Development, and quality control, together with the development of staff working for you.
Click on info sheet for more details and download a pdfResponsible for all technical issues across a company’s sites, this top technical job entails developing appropriate standards, ensuring sites and their suppliers (ingredients, packaging and technical services) operate to them, and measuring compliance using a variety of tools including KPIs and audits. You will also be responsible for the development of technical teams working for […]
Click on info sheet for more details and download a pdf