Technical Manager

Technical Manager

Kent

70,000 (DOE) + 4,000 Car Allowance + Up to 10% Bonus

Are you a berry expert with strong technical and agronomy experience? Do you thrive in a customer-facing role where compliance, sustainability, and innovation go hand in hand?

Join the global leader in fresh produce and play a pivotal role in supporting the M&S Service Provision business. With operations in over 30 countries, this iconic brand is synonymous with quality and sustainability - and we are looking for a passionate Technical Manager to help drive the berry category forward.

About the Role

As Berry Technical Manager, you will support the model for a leading retailer, ensuring all technical requirements are delivered to the highest standards.

You'll be the technical lead for berry development, working closely with growers, customers, and internal teams to drive innovation, compliance, and sustainable growth.

This is a highly visible role with direct customer engagement and real commercial impact.

Key Responsibilities

Category & Customer Leadership

• Lead berry development projects (new varieties, packaging innovation, source & grower development)
• Support the achievement of retailers Service Provision sales budgets
• Work closely with the Retail Technical Manager to ensure alignment and delivery
• Develop an R&D strategy for berry within the retailers service provision model

Grower & Supply Chain Engagement

• Conduct grower visits and select farm audits
• Build strong working relationships with growers and suppliers
• Support responsible sourcing and sustainability initiatives

Compliance & Technical Governance

• Ensure full compliance across Food Safety, H&S, customer policies, sustainability, and supplier approval
• Support due diligence processes to meet the retailers requirements
• Maintain and support procedures aligned with BRCGS, Red Tractor, and LEAF standards
• Contribute to sustainability initiatives including carbon accounting (M2030), water and waste (WRAP), and Scope 3 responsible sourcing

About You

We're looking for a commercially aware technical expert who can balance compliance excellence with category growth.

You will have:

• Proven experience within fresh produce, particularly berries or top fruit
• Practical agronomy experience
• Strong audit and compliance background (HACCP, BRC, GFSI, farm audits)
• Broad knowledge of Food Safety, H&S, sustainability, and supplier approval systems
• Confidence using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint)
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships
• A logical, organised, and adaptable approach

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant subject
• Industry training (BRC, HACCP, GFSI)

Package & Benefits

• 70,000 salary (dependent on experience)
• 4,000 car allowance
• Discretionary bonus up to 10%
• 40 hours per week (Mon-Fri)
  • 1 weekend in 7
  • 1 bank holiday (with TOIL)
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Pension (3% employer / 5% employee after probation)
• PHI cover
• 3-month probation / 3-month notice

Why Join?

Our client connects growers and consumers through an integrated global supply chain built on quality, sustainability, and innovation. This is your opportunity to influence one of the UK's most high-profile retail partnerships while shaping the future of berry supply.

If you're ready to take ownership, drive technical excellence, and make a real impact - we'd love to hear from you.