Job Title: Technical Manager
Reporting to: Cluster Head of Technical
Purpose of role:
As Technical Manager you will lead and manage technical teams, overseeing and coordinating projects, and ensuring successful delivery of technical solutions and projects aligning it to business goals. You are responsible for giving input and leading the successful interpretation and delivery of your areas’ technical strategy, resource allocation, and maintaining adherence to standards and policies. This includes aspects like problem-solving, risk mitigation, and communication with stakeholders both inside and outside the organization.
Key Functions:
Leadership and Team Management:
- Leading and motivating technical teams, fostering a positive work environment, and mentoring team members.
Project Management:
- Managing technical projects, including planning, execution, monitoring, and control, ensuring they are completed within scope, budget, and timelines. Alignment of projects with
Technical Strategy:
- Developing and implementing a company's technical strategy, ensuring it aligns with business goals and category/commercial plans.
Resource Allocation:
- Allocating resources effectively, including personnel, budget, and technology, to support project needs.
Risk Management:
- Identifying and managing technical risks, developing mitigation strategies, and ensuring compliance with relevant standards and regulations. Audits, Quality, Food safety
Stakeholder Communication:
- Communicating technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, customers and suppliers.
Problem Solving:
- Identifying and solving complex technical problems, often under pressure and with limited resources.
Process Improvement:
Identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and customer satisfaction
Experience and Knowledge needed:
- Min BTech degree Food Technology/BSc degree in Food Science/Biotechnology/Microbiology/Chemical engineering/Process Investigation or any related Science degree.
- 10-12 years experience in technical roles, including leadership and project management.
- The role requires a high level of on-site operational leadership of all quality and food safety aspects in Dairy/Deli Meats/Frozen/Chilled Desserts and Meals ensuring compliance to legal standards and regulations. Operational leadership of a team of on site technologists is a critical success factor.
- Advantageous would-be previous experience in Meat and Cold meat Processing plants, Abattoirs and a thorough understanding of what makes product safe and the specific hurdles to control.
- Strong track record in delivering audit excellence, strengthening food safety culture and driving continuous improvement across a high risk chilled and frozen processing environment.
- Highly experienced in managing 3rd party and customer audits, supplier performance, managing rejections, hygiene improvement programmes and corrective action plans
- Manage technical services across suppliers and retailers, leading new product launches, raw material and finished product specifications, allergen compliance, labelling, artwork approval and process validation
- Strong systems mindset, with hands on experience in iCOMPLY, SYSPRO advantageous and master data management
- Driving measurable improvements in production efficiencies, process improvements and translating technical data into commercially viable solutions.
- Developing high performing teams through training and coaching
- A proven track record in delating with industry bodies and regulators; NRCS/DAFF/DAILLAIRD
- Working experience within FMCG retail environment and dealing with retailer own label technical and product development teams.
- Understanding the NPD Gatekeeping process and key milestones for successful delivery.
- Working with an international manufacturing supplier base ensuring products comply to SA standards.
- Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of relevant technologies, industry trends, and best practices.
Skills and Attitude needed:
Technical & Regulatory Knowledge
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In-depth understanding of food safety, quality assurance, and industry regulations for Dairy/Deli meats/Frozen/Chilled Desserts product categories
Knowledge of global regulatory frameworks, ethical sourcing, and environmental requirements.
Leadership & Project Management
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Ability to lead compliance teams across the chilled manufacturing site.
Strong project management skills with attention to detail
Analytical & Communication Skills
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Analytical mindset with capability to assess data, trends, and risk.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to present complex information to senior stakeholders clearly.
Behavioural Attributes
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High personal integrity and ethical standards.
Strong time management and multitasking capability.
Ability to work independently and under pressure.
Collaborative and team-oriented approach.
Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
