Compliance and Technical Manager

Compliance & Technical Manager Location: East Sussex/West Sussex border Hybrid: 3 days on site, 2 days from home Contract: Permanent, Full-time Join a fast-growing health and wellness brand at a pivotal point in its growth We are recruiting for an established, purpose-led health and wellness business specialising in premium nutritional supplements. This is an unusually exciting time to join the company. Having grown to around 110 employees, the business is entering its next major phase of development: moving into a significantly larger facility in Burgess Hill, investing in new production capability, bringing substantially more manufacturing in-house, continuing a regular programme of new product launches and expanding internationally. The US is the next major market, with further international expansion planned. As Compliance & Technical Manager, you'll play an important role in making that growth happen safely and successfully. This isn't a desk-based regulatory advisory position. We're looking for somebody who enjoys being hands-on, working directly with Product Development, Manufacturing, Operations, Marketing and Supply Chain to solve problems, improve processes and help bring new products successfully to market. What you'll be doing You'll take ownership of a broad technical and compliance remit, including:

• Monitoring UK, EU and relevant international food and supplement regulations and translating changes into practical action.
• Working closely with NPD on new product launches, formulations and compliance requirements.
• Reviewing and approving product labels, health and nutrition claims, marketing materials and website content.
• Maintaining and developing the Quality Management System, SOPs and technical documentation.
• Managing CAPA, complaints and non-conformances with a continuous-improvement mindset.
• Supporting product testing and maintaining technical documentation including specifications, certificates and safety information.
• Managing internal audits and supporting external certification audits.
• Helping maintain relevant standards and certifications, which may include GMP, BRCGS, FSSC 22000, SALSA, Soil Association and Vegan Society.
• Supporting supplier approval and assurance across quality, ethical and sustainability standards.
• Working with teams across the business to improve compliance knowledge and embed good practice.
• Supporting the company's international growth, including its forthcoming expansion into the US.
• Providing senior leadership with clear reporting around compliance, risk and improvement opportunities. What we're looking for We're interested in people with real, hands-on experience rather than purely advisory or consultancy backgrounds. You'll ideally have:
• 3–5+ years' experience within technical, compliance, regulatory or quality roles in food manufacturing, nutritional supplements, nutraceuticals, functional foods or another closely related regulated FMCG environment.
• Practical experience working directly with product/NPD and operational teams.
• Good knowledge of UK food regulations, labelling and product/health claims.
• Experience of Quality Management Systems, SOPs, CAPA, complaints and continuous improvement.
• Exposure to relevant certification frameworks such as BRCGS, FSSC 22000, SALSA or GMP.
• The confidence to interpret regulations and turn them into pragmatic solutions for commercial and operational teams.
• Strong attention to detail combined with the ability to see the bigger commercial picture.
• A collaborative style and the ability to build strong relationships across different functions.
• Comfort working in a growing business where processes, facilities and ways of working continue to evolve. A relevant degree or professional qualification in areas such as Food Science, Nutrition, Regulatory Affairs, Law or Business would be advantageous. Particularly interesting – but not essential Experience within the nutritional supplement industry would be excellent, but it isn't essential. Strong candidates from food manufacturing and related regulated sectors are encouraged to apply. We would also be particularly interested in candidates with:
• US/FDA regulatory experience.
• Experience working across more than one international regulatory regime.
• Organic, Vegan Society or similar certification exposure.
• B Corp or sustainability/ESG experience.
• Experience supporting businesses through rapid growth, manufacturing expansion or major operational change. You don't need to tick every box. Why join? This is an opportunity to join a business where Compliance and Technical isn't simply a support function. The company is growing quickly, moving into a major new facility, increasing its internal manufacturing capability, launching new products and entering new international markets. You'll therefore have genuine scope to influence how its technical and compliance capability develops as the organisation scales. You'll also be joining a friendly, collaborative and mission-led culture focused on improving people's health and wellbeing, with a particularly strong heritage in women's health. Benefits include:
• Hybrid working – typically three days on site and two from home
• Generous pension
• Private health insurance
• Enhanced annual leave with additional benefits linked to service
• Enhanced parental leave
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Summer Fridays
• Paid time to volunteer with a local charity
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Employee product discounts and personalised consultations
• Modern technology and equipment
• A supportive, transparent and purpose-led working environment