Technical Manager

The ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre at Cardiff Metropolitan University provides food manufacturing businesses with technical, operational and commercial support to enable them to compete more effectively. ZERO2FIVE employs experienced food and drink technologists, business specialists and senior lecturers and professors. Collectively, this team specialise in all aspects of food and drink processing, manufacturing, operational and technical issues. ZERO2FIVE is able to draw on expertise within Cardiff Metropolitan University which includes internationally recognised experts in food science, nutrition, dietetics, food legislation, environmental health, trading standards, new product development and biomedical sciences. Our team of internationally recognised food industry experts are available to assist our clients across a variety of food disciplines including baking, dairy and meat technologies, hygiene management, packaging design, technical management systems and new product development. The business team can provide marketing, market analysis, new product development, financial and trade engagement support. We can also assist companies in sourcing funding, a major stumbling block in the development of many businesses. The state-of-the-art facilities within ZERO2FIVE are available for use by businesses and schools. These include a consumer sensory suite, 4 pilot sized plants, a development kitchen and a consumer research kitchen.

As the Technical Manager you will be responsible for managing the delivery of a ‘best in class’ technical and innovation, consultancy support service and knowledge transfer programme to the food manufacturing sector in Wales through Welsh Government projects and the UK Food industry via the Food Industry Centre mechanisms. This will be realized through the highly experienced and qualified professional team of Technologists, placements and associated staff.

 What you’ll do – key duties:

• Initiate business development and networking opportunities with commercial suppliers, government bodies, the food industry and stakeholders; develop a forum or network of contacts to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and maximise business opportunities for ZERO2FIVE.
• Responsibility for providing verification of technical consultancy support and commercial level knowledge transfer and mentoring to industry, stakeholder, supply chain and other partners on appropriate technical products and services
• Act as the main technical/Innovation link with large food manufacturing organisations to introduce ZERO2FIVE as a technical service provider to the industry and connect with all sectors in the food supply chain from agriculture and primary processes to the retailer and the consumer.
• Manage the technical development and delivery of Welsh Government funded projects to include knowledge transfer and ensure all projects are delivered within timescale and budget across the portfolio of products and services.
• Responsible for the management and development of senior food technologists, food technologists and placements within ZERO2FIVE.

 What you’ll bring: 

• Extensive senior management role within a technical function in a minimum of 5 product categories.
• Experience of operating within the UK retail food supply chain and knowledge of current food legislation.
• Supply chain from knowledge from agriculture to retail in Europe and the ability to effectively manage multiple, rapid projects across the supply chain at all levels.
• Working knowledge of new product development and possess the skills to affect technical culture change within partner companies by superior knowledge of technical systems.
• Ability to motivate and manage team members, and the ability to relate to a variety of professionals and food manufacturing personnel in a multi-cultural environment.

Why join Cardiff Metropolitan University?

We are a values-based University. We are proud of our culture, and we are there for our people. Our community spirit is the golden thread that underpins our values and behaviours. We support and embrace inclusion that enables everyone to feel respected and able to perform at their best. By joining our University, you'll find yourself in a unique environment where a wealth of knowledge and resources are readily available, supporting you with your career development.

We offer excellent benefits such as:

• Annual leave of 35 days, plus 12 bank holiday / concessionary days (pro rata if part time).
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous monthly contributions.
• Excellent family friendly policies – take a look on our Policy Hub page.
• Opportunities to learn and develop your skills with access to library and digital services facilities.
• Excellent sports and fitness facilities with subsidised membership.

Free family access to our independent specialist wellbeing support provider, Health Assured.

Contact Us

If you would like to talk with us about this opportunity, please Helen Taylor at hrtaylor@Cardiffmet.ac.uk.

All applications must be submitted online.

The person specification will be used as a tool for shortlisting; so please make sure you use this information when writing your application. You can find useful hints and tips about how to apply by visiting our Application Guidance page.

Further details:    Job Description Swydd Ddisgrifiad

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Should a high volume of applications be received, we may need to close this vacancy early. We therefore encourage you to apply as early as possible.

Cardiff Metropolitan University is proud to be a Disability Confident employer and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant.

All applicants with disabilities, or those who are part of the Armed Forces community who during the shortlisting process meet the essential criteria for the role will be progressed to the next stage.

The University is committed to creating a highly inclusive culture. We offer family friendly and flexible working arrangements and a range of staff networks, forums and events to support and develop our people. We warmly welcome applications from those traditionally underrepresented in the higher education sector.