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- Tasks: Manage product specifications and ensure compliance for a diverse food portfolio.
- Company: Leading food business with a collaborative and innovative culture.
- Benefits: Private healthcare, 25 days holiday, hybrid working, and free city centre parking.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact on exciting food products.
- Qualifications: Experience in food specifications and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
MaxAd Fixed Fee Recruitment provides recruitment solutions. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Are you an experienced Specification Technologist or Specification Manager looking to broaden your exposure across multiple retailers, product categories and global supply partners? Would you thrive in a fast‑paced, highly collaborative environment where accuracy, resilience and technical expertise genuinely shape the success of every product launch?
A leading, long‑established food business is seeking a proactive Specification Manager to join its growing team in a state‑of‑the‑art site in central Leeds. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who loves food, enjoys solving complex data challenges and wants to work across a hugely varied portfolio spanning frozen chips and potatoes, fruit, vegetables, party foods and more.
Working as part of a supportive, experienced specification team, you will play a key role in ensuring that every product meets the highest levels of safety, legality, quality and compliance, while contributing directly to the successful launch of products into all major UK retailers and food service customers.
Key Responsibilities- Own and manage your customer accounts, acting as the key point of contact for all specification activity.
- Develop, complete and submit accurate, compliant product specifications in line with customer critical paths and internal quality processes.
- Gather, verify and manage detailed technical data including recipes, allergen information, nutritional values, cooking instructions, micro results, storage requirements and shelf‑life analysis.
- Translate complex supplier information into retailer‑specific formats and ensure all deadlines are met.
- Create pack copy and support artwork processes, including liaison with printers, photography approvals and ensuring packaging meets all technical and legal standards.
- Work closely with NPD, Technical, Commercial and Supply Chain teams, and participate in weekly cross‑functional retailer account meetings.
- Maintain specifications in line with UK and EU food legislation and update them in accordance with customer schedules.
- Experience writing customer specifications in a food manufacturing environment.
- Strong knowledge of food safety principles, HACCP and quality management frameworks such as BRCGS or ISO.
- Completed legal labelling and allergen training (or willing to refresh).
- Understands retailer specification systems and customer approval processes.
- Brings strong analytical skills and enjoys working with detailed data sets.
- Understands ingredients, recipes, nutrition and food composition.
- Communicates confidently with suppliers, retailers and internal stakeholders.
- Ideally educated to degree level in Food Science, Nutrition, Food Technology or a related discipline; however, candidates with relevant industry experience and professional training will also be considered.
Benefits include private healthcare, 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays, free city centre parking, hybrid working with 1 day per week from home. This isn’t a passive data‑entry role. It requires ownership, assertiveness and the confidence to liaise directly with suppliers and retailers when information is missing or clarification is required.
If you’re an experienced specification professional who wants to work on a diverse, fast‑moving product portfolio with a supportive, knowledgeable team, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today!
Seniority Level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type: Full‑time
Job Function: Product Management, Production, and Quality Assurance
Industries: Wholesale Food and Beverage
Specification Manager - Food in Leeds employer: MaxAd Fixed Fee Recruitment
Contact Detail:
MaxAd Fixed Fee Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specification Manager - Food in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their values and how they align with your experience in specification management. This will help you stand out as someone who genuinely cares about the role and the business.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills during interviews. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've tackled complex data challenges in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, just like the one they're offering.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Specification Manager - Food in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Specification Manager role. Highlight your experience in writing customer specifications and any relevant food safety knowledge. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Experience: In your cover letter, share specific examples of your past work in food manufacturing. Talk about how you've managed customer accounts or dealt with complex data challenges. This helps us see your hands-on experience!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep your language clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to technical details. Make it easy for us to understand your qualifications!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
How to prepare for a job interview at MaxAd Fixed Fee Recruitment
✨Know Your Specifications
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of food specifications and safety principles. Be ready to discuss your experience with writing customer specifications and how you ensure compliance with food legislation. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the role but also passionate about it.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical skills by discussing specific examples where you've worked with detailed data sets. Think about times when you translated complex supplier information into retailer-specific formats and how you managed to meet tight deadlines. This will highlight your problem-solving abilities.
✨Communicate Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You’ll need to communicate with suppliers and retailers, so being able to convey your ideas effectively is crucial. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend or family member to build your confidence.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research the company’s values and culture before your interview. Understanding their approach to collaboration and product launches can help you tailor your responses to align with their expectations. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.