At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and manage product specifications, ensuring compliance with food safety and legal standards.
- Company: Join a leading food manufacturer in Bradford with a focus on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for continuous improvement and cross-functional collaboration.
- Why this job: Be a key player in product launches and ensure food safety compliance.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field and 2 years' experience in food specifications.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Overview of role
The Specifications Technologist is responsible for the accurate creation, maintenance and approval of product specifications, artwork and technical documentation to ensure compliance with customer, legal, food safety and business requirements.
The role acts as a key link between Technical, NPD, Packaging and Commercial teams to support successful product launches and ongoing compliance.
- Key Accountabilities
- Specification Management
Create, review and maintain finished product specifications on retailer and customer specification systems.
Ensure all specification information is accurate, legally compliant and submitted within agreed project timelines.
Maintain internal specification databases and document control systems.
Review finished product specifications in accordance with BRCGS and customer requirements.
Technical Compliance
Validate ingredient declarations, allergen information, nutritional data, country of origin, shelf life, storage instructions and process-related information.
Ensure compliance with UK food legislation, retailer codes of practice and customer requirements.
Support audits and provide specification-related documentation when required.
- Artwork Approval
- Coordinate artwork approval through the business.
Verify artwork against approved specifications and legal labelling requirements.
- Collate stakeholder feedback and communicate revisions to artwork suppliers.
- Approve pack copy and outer case labels to ensure compliance.
- Cross-Functional Support
- Work closely with Technical, NPD, Procurement and Packaging teams to gather and validate product information.
- Support product launches by ensuring specification and artwork milestones are achieved.
- Attend project meetings and provide progress updates on specification completion.
- Continuous Improvement
- Monitor legislative, retailer and industry developments impacting product specifications and labelling.
- Identify opportunities to improve specification processes, systems and compliance controls.
- Share relevant regulatory updates with the wider business.
- The Right Person
Essential
Degree or equivalent qualification in Food Science, Food Technology or related discipline.
Minimum 2 years' experience within a food manufacturing technical or specifications role.
Knowledge of UK food labelling legislation.
Experience using retailer specification systems.
Strong attention to detail and data accuracy.
You'll also need excellent organisational and project management skills with strong communication and stakeholder management skills. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
Desirable
- Experience in bakery manufacturing.
- Knowledge of BRCGS Food Safety Standard.
- Experience with artwork approval systems.
- Understanding of HACCP principles.
- Experience working with major UK retailers.
Specifications Technologist employer: Associated British Foods
Allied Mills is an exceptional employer located in Trafford Park, Manchester, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises safety and employee well-being. With competitive benefits such as a generous pension plan, family-friendly policies, and opportunities for personal growth, employees are encouraged to thrive both professionally and personally. The company fosters a sense of community through initiatives like peer awards and an employee assistance programme, making it a rewarding place to build a career as a Class 1 LGV Driver.
