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- Tasks: Manage product specifications and improve processes for smooth product launches.
- Company: Join a leading chilled food manufacturer supplying top UK retailers.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and potential travel opportunities.
- Why this job: Be a key player in ensuring product quality and compliance in the food industry.
- Qualifications: Experience with retailer spec systems and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for detail-oriented individuals passionate about food safety.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
This is a fabulous opportunity to join a chilled food manufacturer who supply exceptional products to the major UK retailers. They are seeking a first-rate Product Specification Specialist to support smooth product launches and ongoing customer requirements.
The Role
Reporting to the Leadership Team you will act as a key member of the technical team and be responsible for designing, implementing and managing the product specification processes and to continuously improve systems to ensure specifications are accurate, compliant and delivered at speed.
Key Responsibilities will include:
- Systems Ownership (Related Platforms)
- Own and manage the Hamilton Grant recipes & specification system structure, workflows and data integrity.
- Simplify and standardise how the team uses the system; provide training and guidance to colleagues.
- Ensure data in Hamilton Grant aligns with production reality and with customer-facing specification platforms (e.g. Brandbank, retailer portals).
- Process Review & Improvement
- Map the current end-to-end specification process (from NPD brief to spec upload/approval) and identify gaps, bottlenecks and risks.
- Propose and implement a clear, robust “way of working” for specifications: roles, responsibilities, approvals, timelines, and critical-path control.
- Set up simple tools, templates and checklists to help the team get specs right the first time.
- Track and report key metrics (e.g. right-first-time rate, turnaround time, number of rejections/corrections) and drive continuous improvement.
- Hands-On Specification Control
- Review all product specifications for accuracy and completeness before they are uploaded or shared externally (formulation, allergens, nutrition, micro, process, pack info, coding, shelf life, QAS).
- Ensure all specs comply with UK/EU food safety, quality and labelling legislation and with customer-specific standards.
- Check and approve artwork against specifications, ensuring full alignment with legal, technical and customer requirements.
- Make sure all own-label and branded specifications are kept current and updated when recipes, processes or legislation change.
The Person
This role would suit a motivated and accomplished Specifications Systems Manager who has previous experience in a similar role where you have used retailer’s online spec systems (JS Evolve, Waitrose Product Pathway, Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl). You will have exceptional analytical, organisation and prioritisation skills alongside a keen eye for detail. Alongside this you will be a confident communicator with the ability to liaise with internal and external colleagues to implement change.
Please note that travel to Vietnam may be required on occasion for this role. If you have the drive, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for this exciting opportunity, then apply now or contact Jess on 0345 2600 737 // 07700 137 110 for more information.
Specification Systems Manager - FOOD employer: Blue Spark Organisation Ltd
Contact Detail:
Blue Spark Organisation Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specification Systems Manager - FOOD
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food industry, especially those who work with product specifications. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research the company and its products thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around specification systems and compliance.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you have experience with specific retailer systems like JS Evolve or Tesco, make sure to highlight that in conversations. Real-life examples of your past successes can really impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Specification Systems Manager - FOOD
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Specification Systems Manager role. Highlight your experience with product specifications and any relevant systems you've used, like Hamilton Grant or retailer portals. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your attention to detail and analytical skills – they’re key for us!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to improve processes and manage specifications effectively. Numbers speak volumes, so if you’ve improved turnaround times or reduced errors, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s super easy and ensures your application goes straight to the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Spark Organisation Ltd
✨Know Your Specs Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the product specifications relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with the Hamilton Grant system and any retailer-specific platforms mentioned in the job description. This will show your potential employer that you're not just interested in the role but also prepared to hit the ground running.
✨Demonstrate Process Improvement Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've previously identified gaps or bottlenecks in processes and what steps you took to improve them. Prepare specific examples that highlight your analytical skills and ability to implement change effectively. This will resonate well with the company's focus on continuous improvement.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves liaising with various teams, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated complex information to different stakeholders. This will help demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively within a technical team.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to food safety, quality standards, and compliance with UK/EU legislation. Brush up on relevant regulations and be prepared to discuss how you ensure specifications meet these standards. Showing your knowledge in this area will give you an edge over other candidates.
