TECHNICAL MANAGER
About Riverford Organic Dairy:
Established in 1999, Riverford Organic Dairy is a small on-farm dairy in the South Hams processing around 1.5 million litres from a 200-cow herd and selling mainly to the Riverford veg box business (riverford.co.uk), Ben’s Farm Shops, various other local businesses and a small amount of wholesale. Our main products are liquid milk (unhomogenised), yoghurt, kefir, crème fraiche, cottage cheese, cream and butter. The farm is family owned and committed to organic and regenerative agriculture. Both farm and dairy are currently transitioning to the next generation, and we have plans to upgrade the dairy and evolve the product mix to higher added value products.
What you will be doing:
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Technical Manager to help see the business grow and thrive through a generational and cultural transition, taking day-to-day responsibility for operations and leading on food safety, health and safety, product quality, and assisting with new product development.
The Technical Manager will be able to work on their feet and be agile amongst the competing demands of small businesses. We are looking for an individual who is passionate about the opportunity to contribute to the next stage of the business’ development. This next stage will include an upgrade of the premises, range development and establishing a culture of sustained good practice and continuous improvement.
This is a permanent contract, based at Hole Farm, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0LA.
Your Responsibilities:
You will be leading on all aspects relating to food safety, regulatory compliance and investigating complaints. On occasion, working or leading shifts inside the production rooms will be required – during investigations or to carry out holiday cover for the production shift manager. You will be supported by the General Manager on all aspects including audits, customer relations and team management.
Operational/Technical
- Producing and overseeing weekly production schedules including leading shifts on occasion
- Running stock checks and ordering relevant packaging and ingredients
- Investigating complaints and batch failures, ensuring that learning is used for continuous improvement
- Assisting with planned refurbishment of dairy plant
- Overseeing planned maintenance of premises and equipment
Regulatory
- Reviewing and updating current company policies (HACCP, Health & Safety, COSHH etc.)
- Leading EHO and Soil Association audits
- Liasing with local authorities in the event of inspections
Development/Cultural
- Overseeing improvement of practices, recipes and hygiene standards
- Assisting with new product development
- Continual assessment of production methods and documentation
- Creating and maintaining a positive food safety culture
Skills and experience:
- HACCP and Food Safety training relevant to role (Level 4 desirable).
- Food-related or relevant bio-science qualification.
- Experience in the food processing industry is a must.
- Dairy-specific experience highly desirable.
- Working knowledge of organic production desirable.
- Good level of computer literacy, particularly Microsoft Office.
Personal Qualities:
- Strong people skills – collaborative attitude.
- Enthusiastic and approachable.
- Energetic, proactive and positive.
- Agile and adaptable to daily events and changing role demands.
- Improvement mentality – passion and skill for identifying issues and inefficiencies and following through on solutions.
- Taking responsibility in the absence of management.
Benefits and working arrangements
- Competitive salary, in line with experience (£38,000-£45,000 pro-rata).
- 24 hours per week minimum. Open to full-time role for the right candidate.
- Opportunity to leave your mark on a changing business.
- Nest pension scheme.
- Company discount scheme.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Reporting to General Manager.
If you think you are good match for this role, please send your CV and a cover letter to [email protected]. The application process will close on the 15th of July.
You can find us online at www.riverforddairy.co.uk.
Pay: £38,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
