At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage food specifications and ensure compliance with safety and allergen regulations.
- Company: Join a leading hospitality brand in the heart of London.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, career development, and a vibrant office environment.
- Other info: Fast-paced role with opportunities for growth and recognition.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food safety and quality in a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in food safety and strong attention to detail required.
The predicted salary is between 28350 - 34650 £ per year.
Our Head Office department is in the heart of Piccadilly and occupies the 5th & 6th floor of our beautiful flagship store. This central London location offers so much to explore including restaurants, bars, cultural sites, shopping and more, and only a short walk from the Green Park Tube Station and plenty of bus stops.
Job Purpose: To manage and maintain accurate food and ingredient specifications for hospitality and foodservice operations, ensuring legal compliance, allergen control, food safety, and consistency across menus and suppliers.
Key Responsibilities
- Specifications & Data Management
- Review and approve final recipes to ensure food safety compliance, verifying alignment with approved raw material specifications to produce accurate allergen data sheets, ingredient breakdowns and nutritional data.
- Create, review, and maintain ingredient, recipe, and finished dish specifications.
- Create and manage allergen matrices, ingredient breakdowns, and nutritional data.
- Work closely with suppliers to ensure all specifications are accurate, up to date, and accessible to operational teams.
- Maintain data within specification or menu management systems.
- Allergen & Legal Compliance
- Ensure compliance with food safety and allergen legislation (e.g. UK Food Information Regulations, Natasha's Law where applicable).
- Maintain accurate allergen declarations for menus, recipes, and customer information.
- Support allergen risk assessments and change controls when ingredients or suppliers change.
- Monitor legislative updates affecting hospitality operations.
- Supplier & Procurement Support
- Liaise with suppliers to obtain ingredient and product specifications.
- Review supplier documentation for compliance, traceability, and allergen accuracy.
- Support procurement teams with technical approval of new suppliers and products.
- Menu Development & Change Control
- Support menu launches, seasonal changes, and recipe reformulations.
- Manage specification updates for menu changes, substitutions, and supplier switches.
- Work closely with chefs, development teams, and operations to ensure accurate technical data.
- Quality, Safety & Audit Support
- Support food safety management systems (HACCP) and due diligence requirements.
- Provide specification support for internal audits, EHO visits, and third-party assessments.
- Support Hospitality with implementing new online systems for Audit and menu calibration.
- Assist with customer complaints, allergen incidents, and investigations where required.
Skills & Experience
- Essential
- Experience in food technical environment, quality, or specification roles within hospitality or foodservice.
- Strong knowledge of food safety, allergens, and hospitality legislation.
- High attention to detail and strong data management skills.
- Ability to work cross-functionally with chefs, procurement, and operations.
- Desirable
- Degree or qualification in Food Science, Nutrition, or equivalent.
- Experience with menu management or allergen software systems.
- Knowledge of HACCP and food safety standards.
- Experience working with multi-site hospitality operations.
Personal Attributes
- Highly organised and methodical.
- Confident communicator with both technical and non-technical teams.
- Able to manage multiple menu changes and tight deadlines.
- Proactive and calm under pressure.
- Ability to work under pressure.
Working Environment
- Office or hybrid role with interaction across kitchens, sites, and suppliers.
- Fast-paced, change-driven hospitality environment.
We are committed to developing your career and nurturing your talent, regardless of age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; sexual orientation. We respect and embrace each other's differences, to create a truly inclusive environment.
In the last year alone, our people have been recognised and celebrated, winning awards for their outstanding contributions to Retail, Technology, Global Hospitality & Tourism, Visual Merchandising & Display, Customer Service and Local Community Awards.
Specification Technologist – Hospitality - 12 Months FTC in London employer: Fortnum-
Fortnum & Mason is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions creativity and inclusivity. As a Design Manager, you will have the opportunity to lead innovative design projects across diverse international environments, while benefiting from a commitment to professional development and recognition for your contributions. With a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement, you'll thrive in an environment that values both brand heritage and modern design principles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specification Technologist – Hospitality - 12 Months FTC in London
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Walk-Ins
In the hospitality and food service game, a personal touch goes a long way. Instead of waiting for listings, why not walk into local restaurants, cafes, or hotels? Bring your best smile and a CV, and show them that you're eager to join their team right on the spot!
✨Tap into Seasonal Hiring Trends
With temporary roles often popping up during busy seasons, like summer or festive times, keep an eye out for openings as these businesses ramp up. Joining local community groups on social media can also help you stay ahead of the game: think pop-up events, seasonal fairs, or any openings in your area!
✨Utilise Your Network in the Industry
We all know people in the hospitality world, right? Now's the time to message those friends or acquaintances who might already be working in restaurants or bars. They could give you the insider scoop on who’s hiring or even put in a good word for you – it’s all about that inside connection!
✨Apply Through Us for Quick Visibility
Don't forget you can apply for temporary roles directly through our website! It’s not just about the big chain restaurants; many smaller, local places look there for quick hires. Plus, it helps us get you on the radar of employers looking for passionate workers like you, so what are you waiting for?
We think you need these skills to ace Specification Technologist – Hospitality - 12 Months FTC in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality-food-service game, your ability to connect with customers is key. Make sure to highlight any relevant experience in your CV, like working in cafes or restaurants, and emphasise your skills in teamwork and communication. Don't forget to mention any customer service training or certifications you've got under your belt!
Flexibility is Your Best Friend:Since this is a temporary role, you'll want to showcase your flexibility in your application. In your cover letter, mention your availability and willingness to work various shifts, including weekends or holidays. Employers love knowing they can rely on you during busy periods!
Bring Your Personality to the Front:In hospitality, it's not just about what you can do; it's about who you are! Let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A warm, engaging tone can really make your application stand out and show your potential to create a welcoming atmosphere for customers.
Include Relevant References:References can make a huge difference in the hospitality-field. Consider including a couple of references from previous employers or colleagues in your CV who can vouch for your customer service skills and ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. This adds credibility and elevates your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fortnum-
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
In the hospitality-food-service sector, it's all about the customer experience. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've gone above and beyond for a customer or handled a difficult situation. They’ll appreciate knowing that you can keep your cool and maintain a positive attitude even when things get a bit hectic!
✨Know Your Menu Inside and Out
Whether you're applying for a temporary role as a server or in the kitchen, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the menu and any signature dishes they serve at Fortnum-. During the interview, they might ask about your food and drink recommendations, so having a few tasty suggestions up your sleeve will show you're genuinely interested in contributing to the team.
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility
Temporary roles often require a bit of juggling with shifts and responsibilities. Be sure to convey your willingness to adapt and take on different roles as needed. Share instances where you’ve quickly switched tasks or taken the initiative to help out your colleagues, showing that you're a team player.
✨Dress the Part and Exude Personality
In hospitality, first impressions matter! Even for a temporary position, donning smart-casual attire can set the right tone. Plus, don't hold back on your personality – let your enthusiasm shine through, as they’re looking for someone who can mesh well with the team and create a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
