Delivering outstanding Interim and Permanent recruitment solutions for the Food & Drink Manufacturing industry.

When building successful teams and careers, we know one size doesn't fit all. That's why our recruitment solutions are tailored to your precise needs and goals. 

Specialising in Interim and Permanent recruitment, we work at pace to ensure the right people
are in the right place to drive success.

Latest jobs.

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QA Manager
Permanent
  • BURTON-ON-TRENT
  • £55000 per year

Location: West Midlands Overview: We are recruiting an experienced and driven Quality Assurance Manager to join a leading food manufacturing business based in the Midlands. Reporting to the Head of Technical, this role is responsible for leading the Site Quality function and ensuring the highest standards of food safety, legality, quality, authenticity, and compliance across the manufacturing operation. The successful candidate will manage and develop a multidisciplinary QA team across a fast-paced production environment, ensuring compliance with customer standards, BRCGS requirements, HACCP systems, and UK food legislation. This role plays a key part in driving a positive food safety and quality culture throughout the site while supporting continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence. This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate quality professional who thrives in a high-care food manufacturing environment and is committed to developing teams, driving standards, and delivering customer confidence. About you… • Degree qualified in Food Science or a related discipline, with proven experience within a mid to senior-level Technical or QA role. • Previous experience within a fast paced food manufacturing environment, ideally within high care, or high-risk categories. • Strong working knowledge of BRCGS standards, retailer Codes of Practice, HACCP, GMP, and food safety legislation. • Food Safety Level 4, HACCP Level 3, and Internal Auditing qualified. • Experienced in supporting and leading retailer, customer, and third-party audits, including effective corrective action management. • Strong understanding of microbiology, environmental monitoring, allergen management, and quality systems. • Excellent leadership skills with the ability to coach, mentor, and develop high-performing QA teams. • Strong communication and influencing skills with the ability to build relationships across all departments. What will you be doing? • Leading and developing the Site QA team to ensure high performance, compliance, and continuous improvement across the factory. • Driving the site food safety and quality culture programme, promoting accountability, GMP standards, and compliance across all departments. • Supporting the maintenance and continuous improvement of site Quality Management Systems, policies, procedures, and HACCP requirements. • Supporting customer, retailer, and third-party audits while driving effective corrective and preventative actions. • Working closely with Technical and Operations teams to investigate non-conformances and implement robust processes. • Monitoring and improving quality KPIs, audit standards, GMP compliance, and customer expectations across the site. So, what can they offer you? An opportunity to join a well established and growing food manufacturing business where food safety, quality, integrity, and continuous improvement are at the centre of everything they do. You’ll be part of a supportive and forward thinking Technical leadership team with the opportunity to influence site standards, strengthen food safety culture, and develop your leadership capability within a dynamic manufacturing environment. This role offers the chance to make a real impact by driving quality excellence, developing people, and supporting the delivery of safe, legal, and high-quality products to customers. We are keen to speak with experienced Quality Assurance Managers, QA Managers, Assistant Technical Managers, Quality Systems Managers, Technical Managers, or Senior QA professionals from the food manufacturing sector who live within Burton-on-Trent, Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent, Tamworth, Stafford, Lichfield or surrounding areas. How to Apply If you have the desired qualifications and experience, please send your CV quoting re JO/TNT/2746 or call 0161 399 1575 / 07830 944145 for a confidential discussion. True North Talent is recognised as a trusted supplier of permanent, contract and interim recruitment services to the food manufacturing and FMCG industries. Our teams of specialist recruiters operate across food manufacturing Operations Jobs, food manufacturing Engineering jobs, food manufacturing Technical jobs, food manufacturing NPD jobs, food manufacturing Supply Chain jobs and food manufacturing Commercial jobs. We may hold your data, as per our privacy policy detailed on our website. We are only able to consider candidates who have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants.  

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Consultant
Josh Ozdemir
Culinary Development Manager
Permanent
  • West Midlands
  • £47000 per year

Location: West MidlandsOverview: We are recruiting an innovative and commercially focused Culinary Development Manager to join a leading food business based in the West Midlands. Reporting to the Head of Culinary UK, this role is responsible for leading the development and commercialisation of exciting food products that align with customer requirements, market trends, and business growth objectives.This role combines culinary creativity with commercial awareness and product development expertise, ensuring products are developed to the highest standards of quality, scalability, and customer satisfaction. The successful candidate will work closely with customers, suppliers, sales, and cross-functional teams to bring concepts from idea through to launch while supporting innovation and continuous improvement across the business.This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate food professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys building strong customer relationships, driving innovation, and developing commercially successful products.About you…• Previous experience within a Culinary Development, NPD, or Product Development role within food manufacturing or foodservice.• Strong understanding of food trends, market insights and customer-led product development.• Commercially aware with the ability to develop products that balance quality, cost and operational feasibility.• Experience working closely with customers, suppliers and cross functional teams within a fast paced food environment.• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the confidence to present products to customers and stakeholders.• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines and development briefs simultaneously.What will you be doing?• Leading the development and commercialisation of innovative food products from concept through to launch.• Building and maintaining strong working relationships with customers and suppliers through regular communication and collaboration.• Managing customer development projects and responding positively and proactively to customer briefs and requests.• Working cross-functionally with Sales teams to identify and pursue opportunities with new and existing customers.• Developing commercially viable products that support business growth and enhance the company product portfolio.• Researching food trends, market opportunities and competitor activity to identify new development opportunities.• Conducting engaging and customer-focused food presentations and product demonstrations.• Building a thorough understanding of the company product range and evaluating products against competitor offerings.• Writing clear and concise development briefs and managing projects through the full concept to launch process.• Working closely with suppliers in both kitchen and factory environments to develop and improve products.So, what can they offer you?An opportunity to join a growing and innovative food business where creativity, collaboration, quality and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything they do.You’ll become part of a passionate and supportive team with the opportunity to influence product innovation, work closely with customers and suppliers and play a key role in bringing exciting new food products to market. This role offers the chance to develop your culinary and commercial expertise while making a real impact within a dynamic environment.We are keen to speak with experienced Culinary Development Managers, NPD Managers, Product Development Managers, Development Chefs, Innovation Managers, or Senior NPD Technologists from the food manufacturing or foodservice sectors who live within Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, Burton-on-Trent, Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent, Tamworth, Stafford, Lichfield or surrounding areas.How to ApplyIf you have the desired qualifications and experience, please send your CV quoting re JO/TNT/2691 or call 0161 399 1575 / 07830 944145 for a confidential discussion.True North Talent is recognised as a trusted supplier of permanent, contract and interim recruitment services to the food manufacturing and FMCG industries. Our teams of specialist recruiters operate across food manufacturing Operations Jobs, food manufacturing Engineering jobs, food manufacturing Technical jobs, food manufacturing NPD jobs, food manufacturing Supply Chain jobs and food manufacturing Commercial jobs. We may hold your data, as per our privacy policy detailed on our website.We are only able to consider candidates who have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants. 

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Consultant
Josh Ozdemir
NPD Category Lead
Permanent
  • MANCHESTER
  • £45000 per year

Location: ManchesterOverview: We are recruiting an experienced and commercially driven NPD Category Lead to join a leading food manufacturing business based in Manchester. This role is responsible for leading and delivering the category innovation pipeline, ensuring the successful development and launch of high-quality, commercially viable food products that align with customer expectations and business growth objectives.The successful candidate will take ownership of category strategy and pipeline delivery, working cross functionally with Technical, Operations, Commercial, Procurement, and Process teams to deliver products from concept through to launch. This is a highly customer facing role requiring strong leadership, commercial awareness and a passion for food excellence, innovation and continuous improvement.This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious NPD professional who thrives in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment and enjoys leading teams, influencing stakeholders and driving innovation at pace.About you…• Strong experience delivering end to end product development within a food manufacturing environment.• Previous experience managing retailer or customer-facing development projects and customer expectations.• Commercially aware with strong understanding of costings, margins, category performance and business growth objectives.• Proven ability to lead multiple projects and priorities within a fast paced environment.• Strong understanding of factory processes, scalability, operational constraints and factory ready product development.• Passionate about food quality, innovation and delivering products that exceed customer expectations.• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence customers and internal stakeholders.• Strong understanding of market trends, competitor activity and customer requirements within the food sector.What will you be doing?• Owning and managing the category innovation pipeline aligned to customer and business strategy.• Driving delivery of commercially viable products from concept through to launch, ensuring alignment to customer expectations and commercial targets.• Prioritising development activity and resources to focus on the most commercially valuable opportunities.• Monitoring pipeline progress, launch performance, project risks and delivery timelines to ensure successful execution.• Acting as the key NPD and Innovation contact for customers within the category.• Leading customer presentations, innovation sessions and development meetings to strengthen customer relationships and position the business as a trusted development partner.• Championing food quality, taste, and product excellence across the category, ensuring products are benchmarked against market-leading standards.• Driving creativity and innovation while balancing commercial delivery, operational feasibility and customer requirements.So, what can they offer you?An opportunity to join a forward-thinking and growing food manufacturing business where innovation, food quality, collaboration and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything they do.You’ll become part of a dynamic and supportive team with the opportunity to lead category innovation, influence customer strategy and develop commercially successful products within a fast-paced environment. This role offers the chance to make a significant impact by driving product excellence, developing high-performing teams and contributing to business growth through innovation and customer partnership.We are keen to speak with experienced NPD Category Leads, Senior NPD Managers, Innovation Managers, Product Development Managers, Senior Development Technologists, Category Development Managers or Senior NPD professionals from the food manufacturing sector who live within Manchester, Salford, Bolton, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Warrington, Wigan, Preston, Leeds, Liverpool or surrounding areas.How to ApplyIf you have the desired qualifications and experience, please send your CV quoting re JO/TNT/2716 or call 0161 399 1575 / 07830 944145 for a confidential discussion.True North Talent is recognised as a trusted supplier of permanent, contract and interim recruitment services to the food manufacturing and FMCG industries. Our teams of specialist recruiters operate across food manufacturing Operations Jobs, food manufacturing Engineering jobs, food manufacturing Technical jobs, food manufacturing NPD jobs, food manufacturing Supply Chain jobs and food manufacturing Commercial jobs. We may hold your data, as per our privacy policy detailed on our website.We are only able to consider candidates who have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we can only contact successful applicants. 

View this job
Consultant
Josh Ozdemir
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Food Industry Recruitment Company

True North Talent are specialists in the food and drink manufacturing industry, with a dedicated and experienced team of experts delivering interim and permanent recruitment solutions to organisations from independent start-ups, SMEs to global food companies. From leveraging our extensive network of experienced professionals to connect you with your ideal interim hire to carrying out an exclusive search for your next director level or executive hire, we’ve got you covered.

With our wealth of knowledge in the sector and our relationships with some of the best in the industry, get in touch today to find out more about how we can connect you with your perfect candidate and take your business to the next level.

Food Recruitment Consultants

True North Talent was born from a shared passion for building strong relationships and delivering outstanding talent solutions for the food and drink manufacturing industry. Our mission is simple: to help individuals and businesses realise their true potential.

We know that finding the right talent goes beyond just matching the right skills and experience and understand that, when building successful teams and careers, one size doesn't fit all. That's why our consultancy solutions are bespoke and tailored to your unique needs and specific goals.

Above all, it’s our unwavering commitment that sets our consultancy apart. We are dedicated to your success and we always go the extra mile to deliver exceptional results.

Finding your True North means discovering your purpose and unlocking your true potential. Our approach is driven by a mission to help individuals and businesses realise their full potential. We know that finding the right talent goes beyond just matching the right skills and experience.

Hand holding food

True North Talent was born from a shared passion for building strong relationships and delivering outstanding talent solutions for the food & drink manufacturing industry.

When building successful teams and careers, we know one size doesn't fit all. That's why our recruitment solutions are tailored to your precise needs and goals.

Above all, its our unwavering commitment that sets us apart. We are dedicated to your success, ensuring that we go the extra mile to deliver exceptional results..

See how we can help

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Amazing company, the professionalism, kindness and support from Carole was outstanding, she made everything happen so smoothly; the best experience ever!

Senior Process Technologist

Our relationships.

Our priority is to build long lasting relationships built on trust.

These are a few of our clients who have trusted us with their recruitment and who we love working with.

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B3 Labs
Baker & Baker
Creative
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Food Recruitment UK

At True North Talent, we specialise exclusively in recruitment for the food and drink manufacturing industry. Our team brings decades of sector-specific experience, allowing us to truly understand the challenges and opportunities our clients and candidates face. We don’t just fill vacancies: we partner with businesses to build long term success through tailored recruitment solutions. We pride ourselves on being relationship led, not sales driven. Our approach is built on honesty, transparency and genuine care for the people we work with.

When you work with True North Talent, you’re choosing more than just a recruitment agency. We will be your dedicated partner with a deep understanding of your industry that delivers solid results and shares your values. Reach out today to let us help you find the talent that takes your business to the next level.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • How do you screen your candidates?

    All candidates undergo a thorough screening process, including in-depth interviews, reference checks, and sector-specific assessments to ensure the best fit for you.

  • What’s different about True North Talent?

    We’re sector specialists, not generalists. Our team has hands-on experience in the food and drink industry, allowing us to offer unmatched insights and understanding.

  • How quickly can you fill a role?

    With our True North Interim solution, we can often present qualified, available candidates within hours. Literally!

  • Do you support any charitable causes?

    For every successful placement, we have pledged to donate 200 meals to families in need in support of FareShare, the UK’s longest running food redistribution charity.

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