Technical Manager

Technical Manager

The Technical Manager holds a senior role with responsibility for overseeing food safety, quality and regulatory compliance across the BWG retail estate. This technical role leads supplier assurance, store support, regulatory compliance, food safety communications and cross-functional collaboration, ensuring consistently high standards while protecting consumer health and BWG’s brand reputation.

Key Responsibilities for this Technical Manager role:

·        Lead and oversee the supplier approval programme using a risk-based approach, including the management of supplier audits and maintenance of the BWG Approved Supplier List.

·        Maintain and continuously enhance BWG’s centrally controlled Food Safety Management System (FSMS) and retail quality systems.

·        Safeguard food safety, quality and regulatory compliance across the BWG retail estate while promoting a strong and proactive food safety culture.

·        Support the development and implementation of food safety systems across other BWG departments.

·        Provide expert guidance to stores, Fresh Food Advisors and sales teams on Environmental Health Officer (EHO) and Health Service Executive (HSE) matters.

·        Partner with external auditing providers to manage, evaluate and improve internal audit programmes.

·        Develop legally compliant food safety training programmes for retail teams and other relevant departments.

·        Manage and continuously improve the product recall process for all food withdrawals and recalls initiated by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) or suppliers, ensuring prompt and effective action.

·        Approve BWG own-brand labels for prepacked retail products in collaboration with Marketing, Trading and suppliers.

·        Manage and enhance allergen data, updates and related systems.

·        Oversee the investigation and resolution of food safety customer complaints and analyse trends in partnership with the Food Safety Manager.

·        Lead engagement with relevant external organisations, including the Coeliac Society of Ireland, the Irish Organic Association and the Reformulation Programme.

·        Manage key service-provider relationships and performance.

·        Communicate legislative updates, best practice and emerging food safety matters clearly and effectively across the business.

·        Represent BWG Foods, as required, at meetings with the FSAI, HSE and other relevant stakeholder groups.

·        Lead food safety-related projects and contribute to continuous business improvement initiatives.

·        Undertake additional duties as required to support the wider technical function.

Experience and Qualifications

·        A diploma or degree in Food Safety, Microbiology or a related discipline.

·        Strong knowledge of HACCP principles, food safety standards and relevant regulatory requirements.

·        Demonstrable experience in food safety auditing.

·        Experience within a retail environment is desirable.

·        Strong training and facilitation skills, with the confidence to deliver engaging presentations to diverse audiences.

·        Proven leadership, communication and organisational skills.

·        Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

·        A self-motivated, proactive and adaptable approach, with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.