Lead Technical Manager

About the role

Do you have deep expertise in food technical compliance, regulatory governance and customer protection?

We're looking for a senior technical leader to take ownership of compliance and customer management across Booker. This is a highly specialised role with responsibility for ensuring our policies, systems and governance frameworks protect both our customers and our business.

You'll lead the implementation of new and emerging food legislation, oversee our quality management system, own internal audit and product recall processes, and act as the technical authority on compliance risk and regulatory change.

This role sits at the centre of our technical function, working alongside senior stakeholders across Commercial, Supply Chain, Operations and Legal. You'll also deputise for the Head of Technical when required, making this a key leadership position within the wider team.

What is in it for you

At Booker, along with being a great place to work and giving you an opportunity to get on in your career, we also offer the following fantastic package of benefits:

• A Booker colleague card with 10% off purchases at Booker and double discount events up to three times a year.
• After 3 months service, a Tesco colleague discount card with 10% increasing to 15% off most purchases at Tesco for a 4 day period after every four-weekly pay day, ie. thirteen times a year. In addition to 10% off at Tesco Cafe and 20% off all F&F purchases.
• 10% off pay monthly & SIM only deals with Tesco Mobile for yourself, along with further great deals through-out the year.
• Up to 30% off car, pet and home insurance at Tesco bank. Terms and conditions apply.
• Free eye test when you spend £50 or more. You can also save 30% when you spend £50 or more on glasses, prescription sunglasses and contact lenses.
• 50% off health checks at Tesco Pharmacy.
• Exclusive access to discounted RAC breakdown cover rates
• An exclusive deals and discounts website saving you money on everyday purchases including a cycle to work scheme.
• After 3 months service, you can join our annual Save As You Earn share scheme which allows you to buy Tesco shares in the future at a discount.
• Retirement savings plan (pension) - save up to 5% and Booker will match your contribution.
• Life Assurance - You are covered for death in service life cover of up to three times annual pay
• Health and Wellbeing support and resources including our 24/7, confidential Employee Assistance Programme and Virtual GP for you and your family.
• A great holiday package

You will be responsible for

• Leading the implementation of new and emerging food regulations, ensuring legal requirements are translated into clear business action.
• Owning and maintaining booker's technical policies and QMS.
• Leading internal audit programmes, compliance reporting and governance processes.
• Owning product withdrawal and recall processes, ensuring readiness and effective incident management.
• Managing branded risk assessment policies and driving improvements in supplier and product performance.
• Overseeing customer complaint systems, reporting and root-cause analysis.
• Leading compliance activities relating to Erudus data, allergen information and product content accuracy.
• Managing technical responses to enforcement authority challenges, investigations and regulatory enquiries.
• Developing and leading a team of technical managers and specialists.

You will need

• Significant experience in food technical compliance, governance and regulatory interpretation.
• Strong knowledge of UK food law, quality management systems, internal audit and product recall processes.
• Experience managing compliance frameworks within retail, wholesale, food manufacturing or FMCG environments.
• A track record of leading customer protection, complaint management or branded risk programmes.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders and providing technical advice on compliance risks and regulatory change.
• Proven people leadership experience within a technical or compliance function.
• The credibility and expertise to represent a large food business with regulators and external stakeholders.

About us

Booker is the UK's leading food & drink wholesaler. We are privileged to serve independent retailers, caterers and small businesses, from locations across the country. We operate over 190 cash and carry branches, 8 distribution centres, 5 Best Food Logistics sites, as well as 6 support centre locations across the UK. 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) at Booker means that whoever you are and whatever your background, we always want you to feel represented and that you can be yourself at work. In short, we’re a place where Everyone’s Welcome.

We know life looks a little different for each of us. That’s why at Booker and Best, we always welcome conversations about flexible working. Some people are at the start of their careers; some want the freedom to do the things they love. Others are going through life-changing moments like becoming a carer, nearing retirement, adapting to parenthood, or something else. So, talk to us throughout your application about how we may be able to support you.

Please note

We can only accept candidates over the age of 18 if the role requires working before 6:15 am or after 9:45 pm or involves working in areas such as the warehouse, beers, wines & spirits, and driving roles.

On the occasions where we have high volumes of applicants, some roles may close earlier than the advertised end date in order for us to manage all of the applicants appropriately. We will only be able to offer individual feedback to those candidates who attend an interview.

*Booker Group is part of Tesco plc, however, is operated separately from the core Tesco business and as such the benefits offered will be different from those offered at Tesco*

For more information about us please visit www.bookergroupjobs.co.uk