Analytical Sciences Section Head - #189335

Based - High Wycombe HP12 3QS (On-Site)

Permanent, Full Time

Join Premier Foods — where people, brands and purpose come together.

We’re proud to be one of the UK’s largest listed food businesses, with over 4,000 colleagues across 13 sites shaping the future of some of Britain’s best‑loved brands, found in 94% of households nationwide, making us one of the UK’s top three ambient food suppliers. From much‑loved household names such as Mr Kipling, Bisto, Oxo, Batchelors and Sharwoods, to our recently welcomed brands Fuel10k and Merchant Gourmet, our portfolio is packed with iconic favourites — and continues to grow.

Role Purpose

As Section Head, you’ll lead the Biological and Physical Sciences team, ensuring the right people, systems and processes are in place to deliver consistently high standards and drive business performance.

You’ll balance operational excellence with commercial focus—leading your section to deliver against service, financial and growth objectives, while fostering a culture of safety, quality and continuous improvement.

If you’re a strategic leader who thrives on developing high-performing teams and making a real impact, this is your opportunity to help shape the future of our technical services.

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll take accountability for leading your section and driving business success by:

• Championing a strong Health & Safety and Quality culture, ensuring compliance with ISO 17025 and ISO 45001 while driving continuous improvement
• Ensuring effective resource planning and utilisation to deliver agreed service levels and operational efficiency
• Supporting and enabling delivery of the Section’s sales plan, removing barriers to growth
• Building a highly engaged and high-performing team, with clear development, succession and empowerment
• Taking ownership of P&L performance, ensuring targets are met or exceeded
• Identifying and developing new business opportunities aligned with wider business objectives
  
  
  

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a confident, strategic leader with strong technical and commercial awareness:

• Significant senior-level experience in resource management within a technical food environment (typically 10+ years)
• Strong knowledge of working in a regulated service environment and driving continuous improvement
• In-depth understanding of Health & Safety requirements and quality standards
• Proven ability to build and lead engaged, high-performing teams
• Strong commercial mindset with the ability to deliver business success
• Excellent communication, leadership, strategic thinking and organisational skills
  
  
  

What We Offer In Return

• Competitive salary
• Car Allowance
• Bonus
• Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Sharesave Scheme
• EV Car Scheme
• Private Medical
• Up to 7.5% pension
• Life assurance
• Wide range of online and in-house training
• Access to an employee discount scheme, with access to hundreds of nationwide retailers
  
  
  

At Premier foods we believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality. We aim to ensure all existing and future colleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to work no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love or what they believe in. Our culture is one where everyone is welcome.

We're proud to be a Disability Smart employer and are committed to supporting disability inclusion throughout our recruitment process. If you experience any access issues or require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know so we can ensure you have the support you need.