You’ll play a key role in:

• Leading the safe, compliant and effective operation of production, kitchen and testing facilities, working collaboratively with NPD, Bakery and Waste Reduction teams.
• Managing Health & Safety, food safety and hygiene compliance, including risk assessments, SOPs, user documentation and routine operational checks.
• Overseeing equipment registers, asset controls, planned preventative maintenance programmes, calibration schedules and associated records.
• Coordinating capital equipment procurement, installation, commissioning, lifecycle management and continuous improvement.
• Developing inductions, specialist training and competency records for staff, students and other facility users.
• Providing operational and process expertise and support for projects, client factory trials, validation activity, research, consultancy and funded programmes.

What you’ll bring

You’ll combine substantial senior food manufacturing experience with practical, hands-on knowledge of production operations, equipment and engineering. You’ll be confident managing food safety and Health & Safety risk, working across different processing environments and building strong relationships with colleagues, contractors, clients and external stakeholders.

Additionally, you will have

• A degree in a relevant science or engineering discipline, or equivalent experience, together with Level 3 Food Safety Management and HACCP or equivalent experience.
• A Health & Safety qualification such as NEBOSH or IOSH, or equivalent experience, and a current UK driving licence.
• A track records of senior management experience in food manufacturing operations and/or engineering across at least three product categories and processing environments, including high-care/high-risk operations.
• Experience of the UK retail supply chain, with strong knowledge of GMP, GHP, food safety and Health & Safety risk management.
• Practical experience of installing and commissioning safe and legal processes/equipment and establishing and managing planned preventative maintenance programmes.

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.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous contributions.
• Excellent family friendly policies.
• 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

For more information about the role please contact Simon Burns on  spburns@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. 

Closing Date: 30 Oct 2026

School/Unit: Professional and Support

Salary: £53,301 to £61,759 per annum
Permanent

You'll have the opportunity to collaborate with businesses, industry partners and the ZERO2FIVE Technical Team, helping organisations develop technical capability while contributing to the growth and success of the food and drink industry in Wales.

You'll play a key role in:

• Introducing best practice in food safety and quality through technical assistance and knowledge transfer.
• Identifying opportunities for improvement through gap analysis and internal audits.
• Providing guidance on technical compliance, food safety requirements and third-party accreditation, including BRCGS and SALSA.
• Supporting the development, validation and launch of new food products and processes in line with legislation and quality standards.
• Managing and mentoring Work Placements to achieve agreed technical objectives and programme outputs.
• Representing ZERO2FIVE at events, conferences and exhibitions while supporting business development, training and continuous professional development initiatives.

What you'll bring

You’ll bring substantial experience in a technical, quality or NPD role within the food and drink manufacturing sector, across at least two product categories, together with a strong understanding of food legislation, quality management systems and regulatory compliance. You’ll be comfortable working collaboratively with businesses and stakeholders, helping to identify opportunities for improvement and implement effective solutions.

Your communication skills will enable you to build effective relationships with partners at all levels, while your analytical approach will support the preparation of reports, audits and technical assessments. You’ll be organised, adaptable and able to manage competing priorities to meet deadlines.

Additionally, you'll:

• Hold a degree in a relevant science discipline (e.g. Food Science or Food Technology), together with Level 3 HACCP and Level 3 Food Safety in Manufacturing qualifications, or equivalent food manufacturing experience.
• Have experience supporting or leading third-party audit preparation and compliance activities.
• Demonstrate experience of data analysis and report writing within the food sector.
• Bring excellent interpersonal skills, a collaborative approach to problem solving, and a commitment to teamworking, confidentiality and continuous professional development.
• Be willing to travel regularly and attend events nationally and internationally.

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.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme with generous 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   

For more information about the role please contact Jess Lacey, Technical Manager on jlacey@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.

Closing Date: 25 Oct 2026

School/Unit: Professional and Support

Salary: £39,906 to £44,746 per annum
Permanent