Specification Administrator- Trading in Newtownabbey

At Henderson Group, we are proud to be Northern Ireland's leading foodservice provider. Our group encompasses Henderson Wholesale, Henderson Retail, Henderson Foodservice and Henderson Group Property. We employ over 6,000 staff and have been placed 5th in Ulster Business Top 100 Companies 2024. We're a family-owned team that cares about our people and the community in which we live.

Henderson Food Service is the leading supplier to the food service industry in Ireland. We source and supply a range of thousands of products to customers including hotels, restaurants, and public sector organisations such as hospitals and offices. We achieved Platinum accreditation against the Investors in People standard framework in 2025 in recognition of people management excellence and our commitment to investment in people.

The purpose of the role: Reporting directly to the Data Quality Manager, the Specification Administrator will play a key role in ensuring the accuracy, quality, and consistency of product data across our Foodservice division. This exciting opportunity will involve managing the collection, review, and maintenance of product information, ensuring data is accurate, up to date, and aligned with business requirements.

Working as Specification Administrator you will:

• Collate, review, and input product specifications, certifications and other relevant documentation for Henderson Foodservice using the Product Information Management System.
• Manage, enrich, and maintain the Product Information Management System to ensure all legal, quality, and safety data pertaining to product specifications are up to date.
• Facilitate data sharing to key customer specification platforms.
• Prepare daily/monthly reports from the Product Management system.
• Address both internal and external customer queries regarding product information.
• Ensure the accuracy of technical and usage data for products.
• Conduct product inspections in the warehousing facility against specified criteria and update the PIM system accordingly.
• Manage supplier specifications by keeping them up to date.
• Manage and update product links with Erudus.
• Validate information within business platforms to ensure alignment with the PIM.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of information for newly listed products, validating data against up-to-date specifications through the supplier portal.
• Assist in the onboarding process for the supplier portal.
• Handle Akeneo supplier portal queries from suppliers, troubleshooting and addressing ticketing issues through Akeneo.
• Ensure the timely generation of comprehensive product data by external suppliers via the supplier portal.
• Troubleshooting Akeneo issues.

Skills for Success:

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs, with grades C or above in English and Maths, is required.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office packages (Excel, Outlook & SharePoint).
• A Valid Full UK/EU driving license with access to your own vehicle.

The Attributes you'll need include:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Adaptable to meet project deadlines within specified time frames.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Proven organisational and planning skills.

It is Desirable if you have:

• Experience working in a FMCG environment.
• Previous experience in an administrative role within an FMCG environment.
• A third level Degree or equivalent in relevant food, product related or relevant scientific subject.
• Familiarity with one or more of the following: HACCP principles, nutrition information, food law regulations, legal labelling, and COSHH.
• Demonstrable experience in collaborating with external stakeholders (i.e. suppliers and customers) to communicate expectations and resolving issues.
• Experience in reviewing product specifications to ensure they align with the product and meet the purchasers' expectations.

As part of this role, it will be important that you feel aligned with the values that we live and work by:

• Ambition: We always strive to be better. We seek new challenges and look for ways to do things better.
• Customer First: We provide exceptional service. We put customers at the heart of everything and support our communities.
• Teamwork: We succeed together. We help colleagues to succeed, and we share our knowledge and skills.
• Integrity: We are fair, honest and ethical. We treat everyone with dignity and respect. We are inclusive and champion diversity.

The Reward:

The impact you can make with Henderson Group goes far beyond your day to day. You will be part of a business supporting defibrillator installations and school sports days. In the last year Henderson group staff and retail stores raised over £1 million for charity partners. You will have the balance necessary to enjoy your job and your life. We will help you to feel proud of what you do and achieve. And we will be here to celebrate your success.

Our business has been recognised externally for delivering excellence in employment. We value employee development and heavily invest in our people. Benefits include market competitive salary, contributory pension scheme, healthcare, life assurance, employee assistance programme, social club, Perks Offers/Discount scheme throughout UK/Ireland, staff discount (grocery/fuel) at SPAR/EUROSPAR Henderson Group company-owned stores and many more.

This is a full-time position working 36.5 hours per week. Working hours will be 09:00am-05:00pm Monday to Thursday and 09:00am-04:00pm Friday. Hybrid and flexible working arrangement available.

If you'd like to speak with us before making your application, our Talent Acquisition Specialist - Joanne McClelland would be happy to have a confidential chat with you about the role on offer - email to get in touch. Completed applications must be submitted online by midnight on Monday 3rd August 2026.

We are an equal opportunities employer.