At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and maintain product specifications, manage artwork, and support product development.
- Company: Join a well-established food manufacturer in Pontefract focused on quality and safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive office environment with opportunities for career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food quality and safety while working in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Degree in food science, HACCP Level 3 certified, and 2 years' experience in the industry.
- Other info: Ideal for detail-oriented individuals passionate about food safety and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Specification Technologist – Food Industry- Entry Level
Are you passionate about food quality, safety, and technical excellence? We are seeking a highly organised and detail-oriented Specification Technologist to join a dynamic technical team at a well-established food manufacturing site in Pontefract.
About the Role
As a key member of the site’s Technical Team, you will be responsible for the creation and maintenance of both external customer product specifications and internal packaging specifications. You’ll play a vital role in managing artwork and packaging standards, supporting new and existing product development, and ensuring all products meet the highest standards of safety, legality, and quality.
Key Responsibilities
- Take full ownership of customer and internal product specifications, ensuring compliance with retailer Codes of Practice.
- Manage and approve retail product artwork, ensuring legal labelling compliance and material suitability.
- Support new product development (NPD) and existing product development (EPD) activities, including product trials and sampling.
- Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to deliver projects in line with critical paths.
- Participate in HACCP, TACCP, and VACCP teams to ensure product safety and vulnerability hazards are controlled.
- Support external and customer audits, and champion continuous improvement initiatives.
- Promote a safety-first culture and support health & safety programmes on site.
About You
- Preferably degree-qualified in a food science-related field.
- HACCP Level 3 certified.
- Experience with retailer specification portals and artwork approval processes.
- Strong knowledge of food safety legislation, labelling codes, and regulatory requirements (UK/EU).
- At least 2 years’ experience in the Food & Beverage industry, specifically around product specifications.
- Excellent communication, decision-making, and organisational skills.
- Proficient in MS Office and data analysis.
- Customer-focused, self-motivated, and able to work independently with a high sense of urgency.
- Passionate about quality, detail-oriented, and innovative in approach.
Why Apply?
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward-thinking technical team, make a real impact on product quality and safety, and develop your career in a supportive, office-based environment.
Specification Technologist- Food Industry employer: Blakeney Point Search & Selection
Contact Detail:
Blakeney Point Search & Selection Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specification Technologist- Food Industry
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific food safety legislation and labelling codes relevant to the UK and EU. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food industry, especially those who work in specification roles. Attend industry events or join online forums to gain insights and potentially get referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your MS Office skills, particularly Excel, as data analysis is a key part of the job. Consider taking an online course to enhance your proficiency and showcase your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interview questions by thinking about examples from your past experience that highlight your organisational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
We think you need these skills to ace Specification Technologist- Food Industry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in the food industry, particularly around product specifications and safety. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food quality and safety. Mention specific experiences that align with the responsibilities of the Specification Technologist role, such as managing product specifications or participating in HACCP teams.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your degree in a food science-related field and any certifications like HACCP Level 3. This will help you stand out as a qualified candidate for the position.
Showcase Your Skills: Emphasise your organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed projects or collaborated with stakeholders in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blakeney Point Search & Selection
✨Show Your Passion for Food Safety
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for food quality and safety during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to maintaining high standards in the food industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of food safety legislation, labelling codes, and regulatory requirements. Brush up on HACCP principles and be ready to explain how you've applied them in previous roles.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
As a Specification Technologist, attention to detail is crucial. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed multiple projects or specifications simultaneously, showcasing your ability to stay organised under pressure.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think of specific scenarios where you had to liaise with stakeholders or manage artwork approvals, and be ready to discuss the outcomes.