Alan Holmes
Melton Mowbray,Leicestershire
Summary
A graduate member of the Worshipful Company of Butchers with a BA Hons in Food Manufacturing, ILM Level 5 Diploma in Management, and HND in Food Science Technology. Demonstrates expertise in quality assurance methods, technical project management, and KPI tracking, complemented by a result-driven approach and service-oriented mindset. Proficient in fostering innovation, managing deadlines, and ensuring customer-focused service through data analysis and decision-making confidence. Skilled in BRC V9 standards and committed to delivering excellence in food manufacturing processes while driving continuous improvement.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Technical manager
Avara foods
2019.06 - 2026.03
- Supported transition back into turkey slaughter and processing during busy seasonal period to cover maternity leave.
- Assisted in maintaining food safety culture by collaborating with other sites and supporting site senior management team.
- Facilitated improved quality status by engaging with production teams and addressing their needs.
- Committed customers complaint reduction programme overall year on year to hit retailer requirements
Technical Manager (Interim)
Tulip (Wednesbury)
Wednesbury, Sandwell
2018.05 - 2019.05
- Assisted in transferring products to Wednesbury site from Bodmin for production of pulled pork, beef, and lamb items.
- Supported technical team in fulfilling daily operational requirements.
- Promoted open-door policy among team members for sharing ideas and resolving process challenges.
Technical Manager
TULIP (Bodmin)
Bodmin, Cornwall
2017.12 - 2018.05
- Directed initiatives to support and implement technical standards in cooked bacon manufacturing for M&S and McDonald's.
Established team resilience and morale during redundancies through proactive quality and efficiency enhancements.
Coordinated operational interfaces to drive improvements in manufacturing processes daily. - Led multiple facility inspections, ensuring top-notch cleanliness standards.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to achieve project goals.
Technical Compliance Auditor for Europe
Aldi UK
Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
2017.01 - 2017.12
- Conducted independent audits, completing three assessments weekly on Aldi codes of practice and BRC v7 standards.
- Supported resolution of process challenges, ensuring positive outcomes were achieved.
- Collaborated with senior supplier teams, agents, and Aldi technical personnel to enhance audit processes.
- Maintained open lines of communication with management regarding audit findings and recommendations.
- Collaborated effectively with external auditors for seamless audits.
Technical Support (Interim)
2SFG
Thetford, Norfolk
2016.10 - 2017.12
- Evaluated current processes to identify quick wins and establish a long-term strategy for new technical manager to improve site performance.
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
- Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Consistently arrived at work on time and ready to start immediately.
- Worked flexible hours, covering nights, weekends and bank holidays.
- Supported team by demonstrating respect and willingness to help.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Offered friendly, efficient customer service and handled challenging situations with ease.
- Cleaned work areas and equipment to maintain faultless hygiene standards.
- Increased customer satisfaction by resolving issues.
Technical Operations and Compliance (Interim)
Karro Foods
Haverhill, Suffolk
2015.11 - 2017.10
- Executed supplier transition process for M&S to enhance operational efficiency and compliance, leading to improved BRC 'A' grade and food hygiene standards at Sainsbury's.
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
- Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
Technical Support (Interim)
2SFG Cambuslang
Glasgow, Glasgow City
2015.08 - 2015.10
- Assisted teams in implementing recommendations from audits.
Supported in-house teams to achieve immediate improvements and plan for long-term changes.
Contributed to achieving a significantly improved audit result. - Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
- Consistently arrived at work on time and ready to start immediately.
- Worked flexible hours, covering nights, weekends and bank holidays.
- Supported team by demonstrating respect and willingness to help.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Offered friendly, efficient customer service and handled challenging situations with ease.
- Displayed energy and enthusiasm in fast-paced environment.
- Oversaw daily operations to achieve high productivity levels.
- Cleaned work areas and equipment to maintain faultless hygiene standards.
- Improved efficiency and productivity by acquiring new skills.
- Completed duties to deliver on targets with accuracy and efficiency.
Operations Manager (2 Manufacturing sites)
Universal Flexible Packaging / Savory & Sweet, Leicester
Leicester , Leicestershire
2015.04 - 2015.08
- Achieved resolution of performance and quality issues, enhancing operational efficiency.
Realised stronger team capabilities by recruiting key personnel, significantly boosting business skills.
Delivered improved KPI tracking and data flow, leading to heightened client satisfaction.
Secured enhanced relationships with key customers through regular engagement and strategic planning.
Redefined planning function, resulting in accurate objectives and successful project outcomes. - Coordinated cross-functional teams, achieved project milestones on schedule.
- Implemented quality control measures, enhanced product standards.
- Managed inventory efficiently to minimise stockouts and overstock situations.
- Applied lean principles to operations management, reduced waste significantly.
- Led teams to achieve business objectives on time and within budget constraints.
- Identified bottlenecks, implemented solutions, increased productivity.
- Optimised workflow procedures with strategic planning and team coordination.
Operations / Technical Manager (Interim)
Long Clawson Dairy, Melton Mowbray
Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
2014.11 - 2015.03
- Managed daily operations of department to uphold standards of current good practices while promoting enhancements in all functional areas.
- Paved way for streamlined operations using comprehensive risk management strategies.
- Improved customer satisfaction by resolving technical complaints promptly.
- Streamlined processes with automation techniques, boosted productivity.
Technical Manager (Interim)
Bernard Matthews (Holton)
Holton St Mary, Suffolk
2014.07 - 2014.11
- Coordinated technical team's preparation for Christmas and supported onboarding of new site technical manager.
Acted as main technical contact for customer visits with M&S, Sainsbury's, and Tesco.
Assisted in planning and completing audits through gap analysis, promoting collaboration among site teams. - Maintained high-performance standards with rigorous testing procedures.
- Developed innovative solutions for complex technical problems.
- Introduced state-of-the-art technologies, advanced company's digital transformation journey.
- Ensured timely completion of projects through effective resource management.
Operations Manager
FA Gills (Wolverhampton)
Wolverhampton , West Midlands
2014.01 - 2014.07
- Oversaw ham & sausage operations across 3 manufacturing sites in Wolverhampton.
Directed evaluation of weekly profit and loss accounts for all sites.
Collaborated with management team to enhance team empowerment through daily meetings.
Implemented new product development processes for hot dog product range in factory.
Technical Manager / Support (Interim)
Bernard Matthews (Gt Witchingham sites)
Norwich , Norfolk
2013.09 - 2013.12
- Directed operational technical initiatives and coordinated customer visits for enhanced engagement outcomes.
Acted as primary technical liaison for M&S campaign, effectively collaborating with Sainsbury’s and Tesco as necessary.
Oversaw compliance audits including BRC, PIU, FSA, PPC, Integra, Freedom Foods, and Subway, ensuring Bernard Matthews met stringent codes of practice. - Coordinated cross-functional teams to achieve project goals.
Pet Plant Manager (Interim)
Frank Wright Trouw International (Nutreco)
Ashbourne, Derbyshire
2013.01 - 2013.07
- Led operational and technical functions to achieve ISO 22000 certification, fostering change management via a lean total quality methodology to enhance efficiency and compliance.
- Managed personnel scheduling, ensuring continuous operation of the plant.
- Increased staff motivation for enhanced productivity through implementing comprehensive training programmes.
Operation’s Quality Manager (Interim)
TMI foods
Northampton , Northamptonshire
2011.10 - 2012.08
- Coordinate site visits and KPI resolution efforts to reinforce operational integrity and foster continuous improvement.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge about latest industry trends and updates relevant to Quality Management.
- Managed audits of manufacturing operations, ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
- Implemented robust customer feedback systems; improved client satisfaction levels.
- Ensured consistency in product quality with regular inspections and tests.
Shift Manager
Moy Park, Grantham
Grantham , Lincolnshire
2009.02 - 2011.10
- Assisted operational teams following business restructure to organise receipt process for raw materials.
Supported traceability improvements across site using quality and lean principles.
Monitored key performance indicators across five departments to aid business compliance with BRC standards. - Trained staff on product knowledge, resulted in better customer interactions..
- Managed inventory control, reduced wastage.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly to maintain high service standards.
- Enforced compliance with food hygiene regulations, upheld high quality standards..
- Recruited new hires to strengthen the existing workforce..
Technical Manager
Moy Park, Grantham
grantham, Lincolnshire
2007.09 - 2009.02
- Spearheaded diversification into chilled products by applying knowledge of short shelf-life ingredients to develop a robust quality framework.
Oversaw multiple large-scale projects, driving lean process improvements and managing capital expenditure for new equipment acquisitions.
Directed a team in the successful transfer of business operations from an alternate manufacturing site, ensuring the integration of efficient and high-quality processes. - Fostered a collaborative environment by promoting open communication amongst team members.
- Streamlined processes with automation techniques, boosted productivity.
Continuous Improvement Manager
Kettleby Foods (Samworth Brothers)
Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
2005.03 - 2007.09
- Assisted in understanding business strategy with a 5-year forecast to achieve savings in processes and ingredients.
- Supported adaptation of continuous improvement processes to maintain margins under tight customer demands.
- Managed cooking processes that contributed to 2% yield improvement on meat cooking.
- Contributed to the development of new techniques for forming dough-based components and marinating meat to enhance component lifespan.
- Helped implement an artwork system for managing new product launches to ensure accurate packaging creation and timely material availability before launch.
- Participated in a champion team for a £7 million new build project to extend the current site.
- Facilitated team meetings to discuss and support process improvements.
- Assisted in establishing performance metrics to monitor progress towards objectives.
- Conducted regular audits to confirm compliance with established procedures and standards.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to facilitate comprehensive process improvements.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement for increased organisational efficiency.
- Established performance metrics to track progress towards objectives.
- Facilitated change management initiatives, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
Interim Site Technologist
Fresh Gourmet, Crete
Heraklion, Crete,Greece
2001.03 - 2001.09
- Assisted in preparing recipe dish meals for two airlines and a premier hotel chain across Greece.
- Supported procurement process for machinery enhancements.
- Contributed to introduction of ready meals in Greek market.
- Helped with launch of new products for airline in-flight meals.
- Aided in monitoring system health using advanced diagnostic tools to prevent malfunctions.
- Resolved technical issues quickly to minimise downtime and disruption to business operations.
- Coordinated product launches to meet project deadlines.
Education
BA Honours Food manufacturing management - Food Science
Lancaster University
Lancaster and Blackpool and the Fylde collegeHND Food Science - Food science
Blackpool and The Fylde College
BlackpoolSkills
- Food manufacturing degree
- Management diploma
- Food science and technology
- Butchery professional membership
- BRC version 9
- Quality assurance
- Time management
- Decision making
- Lean manufacturing
- KPI monitoring
- GMP standards familiarity
Certification
- Metal detection training
- ILM Level 6 in Food Manufacturing Management
- Lean Manufacturing Management (Managing the Change to Lean Manufacturing)
- IOSH Certificate in Health & Safety
- Internal Auditing certificate
- HACCP Level 3 Distinction
Affiliations
- Sports overall though Rugby and football are my main activities
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Technical manager
Avara foods
2019.06 - 2026.03
Technical Manager (Interim)
Tulip (Wednesbury)
2018.05 - 2019.05
Technical Manager
TULIP (Bodmin)
2017.12 - 2018.05
Technical Compliance Auditor for Europe
Aldi UK
2017.01 - 2017.12
Technical Support (Interim)
2SFG
2016.10 - 2017.12
Technical Operations and Compliance (Interim)
Karro Foods
2015.11 - 2017.10
Technical Support (Interim)
2SFG Cambuslang
2015.08 - 2015.10
Operations Manager (2 Manufacturing sites)
Universal Flexible Packaging / Savory & Sweet, Leicester
2015.04 - 2015.08
Operations / Technical Manager (Interim)
Long Clawson Dairy, Melton Mowbray
2014.11 - 2015.03
Technical Manager (Interim)
Bernard Matthews (Holton)
2014.07 - 2014.11
Operations Manager
FA Gills (Wolverhampton)
2014.01 - 2014.07
Technical Manager / Support (Interim)
Bernard Matthews (Gt Witchingham sites)
2013.09 - 2013.12
Pet Plant Manager (Interim)
Frank Wright Trouw International (Nutreco)
2013.01 - 2013.07
Operation’s Quality Manager (Interim)
TMI foods
2011.10 - 2012.08
Shift Manager
Moy Park, Grantham
2009.02 - 2011.10
Technical Manager
Moy Park, Grantham
2007.09 - 2009.02
Continuous Improvement Manager
Kettleby Foods (Samworth Brothers)
2005.03 - 2007.09
Interim Site Technologist
Fresh Gourmet, Crete
2001.03 - 2001.09
BA Honours Food manufacturing management - Food Science
Lancaster University
HND Food Science - Food science
Blackpool and The Fylde College