Technical and Food Safety Manager – Retail Operations

Technical & Food Safety Manager – Retail Operations

We have a new opportunity to join The Compleat Food Group in our Technical team, leading managing all aspects of food safety and technical compliance across our retail outlets, van sales and vending operations!

About The Compleat Food Group

At The Compleat Food Group, we’re proud to be a food business built on purpose and passion. Formed in 2021, we’re on a mission to create Food to Feel Good – great quality, tasty and affordable food that people love to eat. 

We’re home to some of the UK’s most exciting and loved food brands, including Wall’s Pastry, Pork Farms, Wrights, The Real Yorkshire Pudding Co., unearthed, Vadasz, Squeaky Bean, Palace Culture, and Harvey & Brockless. Alongside our branded portfolio, we’re a leading supplier of delicious own-label pastry, sweet bakery, party food, olives and antipasti, added-value egg products, continental meats, dips and sauces and plant-based food to the UK’s major retailers, as well as across foodservice.

With over 6,000 talented colleagues across 17 sites, and an annual turnover of £1.3bn, we’re united by a shared ambition to shape the future of food for the better. 

Location: Crewe based with additional travel to supplier and retail locations

Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8:30 – 17:00, Friday, 8:30 – 16:00

Salary: £50,000 – £60,000 + car allowance

Contract: 9–12-month FTC

Your Duties Will Include:

Food Safety and Compliance

• Lead and maintain full compliance with UK-specific food safety legislation
• Ensure retail outlets adhere to hygiene regulations and FSA guidelines.
• Develop, implement, and maintain food safety management systems (e.g. HACCP).
• Liaise with regulatory authorities and Trading Standards to manage inspections and ensure best practices.

Technical Standards

• Define and oversee the company's technical and quality standards for all products from sourcing to retail
• Ensure suppliers and distributors meet food safety and quality standards, conducting audits and approving new suppliers as required.
• Manage allergen risk, microbiological safety, and accurate labelling for all retail products.

Risk Management

• Lead the identification, assessment, and mitigation of food safety risks across all outlets and the supply chain.
• Develop robust traceability systems to ensure quick response and compliance in the event of recalls or product quality issues.
• Handle food safety incidents, including customer complaints, recalls, and regulatory investigations.

Auditing and Reporting

• Conduct regular internal audits and coordinate third-party audits to ensure compliance with legislation and company standards.
• Monitor food safety performance metrics, analyse trends, and report key findings to senior leadership.
• Ensure up to date documentation and records are maintained to demonstrate compliance during inspections and audits.

Training and Culture

• Develop and implement food safety training programs for all staff
• Foster a food safety culture, empowering staff at all levels to prioritise quality and food safety.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Collaborate with suppliers, manufacturers, and logistics to ensure food safety and quality throughout the supply chain.
• Work closely with commercial & operations teams to align technical standards with business goals and consumer expectations.
• Build relationships with industry bodies and regulators, staying informed on food safety advancements and regulatory updates.

Sustainability and Innovation

• Support the company’s sustainability goals by ensuring food safety systems align with ethical sourcing, reduced waste, and eco-friendly packaging initiatives.
• Leverage new technologies for traceability for real-time monitoring to enhance food safety processes.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills:

• Strong experience in food safety and technical management roles, ideally in UK retail or food manufacturing.
• In-depth knowledge of UK food safety laws, including allergen management, labelling regulations, and supply chain compliance.
• Strong experience in retail management, managing supplier audits and building robust food safety systems.
• Degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Food Technology, or a related field (desirable)|
• Professional certifications: Level 4 HACCP Certification and Level 4 Food Safety
• Lead Auditor Qualification (or equivalent).
• Driving licence essential

Why Join Us?

At The Compleat Food Group, we believe our people are the heart of our success. That’s why we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your lifestyle, wellbeing, and career growth:

Financial & Lifestyle Benefits

• Competitive Car Allowance
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – including Electric Vehicles, Home & Tech, Cycle to Work, and SMART Pension
• 33 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays) with the option to purchase extra
• Holiday Discounts via our online retail platform
• Access to enhanced retail discounts online and in-store
• Free product handouts across our sites, so you can sample and enjoy our delicious products first hand
• EV charging points – available at selected sites

Health & Wellbeing

• 24/7 access to GroceryAid for free financial, emotional, and practical support
• Physical Wellbeing Hub – free on-demand exercise classes, gym discounts 

• Free diet & nutrition advice with access to thousands of healthy recipes
• Online wellbeing support – from mindfulness to lifestyle resources
• Financial wellbeing tools – including mortgage calculators, budgeting tools, and financial aid

Career Growth & Development

• Access to a personalised online learning platform (LMS)
• Formal and informal training opportunities tailored to your role
• Performance Development Plans and regular Career Conversations
• Company Mentoring Scheme  to add depth and really support your career journey
• Recognition through Club Compleat rewards

Community & Culture

• 2 paid volunteering days per year to give back to causes that matter to you
• Charity initiatives and fundraising events
• Team socials to connect and celebrate together
• Employee networks & support groups – including Women @ Compleat
• New baby gift for new parents

The Compleat Food Group fosters an inclusive, respectful culture where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. We welcome diverse talent, knowing it drives exceptional results and a better workplace.

We are committed to Fairness, Equity, Inclusivity, and Respect, we ensure all colleagues can thrive by bringing their whole selves to work. As an equal opportunity’s employer, we provide all the support you need to succeed.

Contact us with any questions about Diversity & Inclusion or accessibility during the application process.

Recruitment Agencies: 

We have a small, active and trusted Preferred Supplier List to assist us if required. We do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions. We only accept CV submissions for roles released to you directly by our Talent Acquisition team.