Trainee Specification Technologist

An exciting opportunity to learn the knowledge and skills required to become a competent Product Specifications Technologist. Through structured 1:1 training and hands-on experience, the successful candidate will progressively build capability in product specifications and artwork approval, with the expectation of moving into a permanent Product Specifications Technologist role on successful completion of training. Training will begin with simple specification reviews and artwork checks, building knowledge step by step at a pace suited to the trainee.

Responsibilities:

• Be open to learning new skills and knowledge through structured, hands-on training.
• Work flexibly as part of a team, adapting to changing priorities driven by customer needs.
• Create, review and maintain accurate finished product specifications in line with customer, legal and company requirements.
• Calculate ingredient declarations and meat content (QUID) using approved methods and data.
• Ensure all product data, claims and specifications are accurate, compliant and fully supported.
• Produce legal pack copy for primary and secondary packaging.
• Support and complete artwork approval, working with internal teams, customers and external suppliers.
• Maintain customer portals, specifications systems and nutrition data (e.g. Recipe Professor).
• Manage supporting technical documentation linked to product specifications.
• Respond to customer queries and support audits and customer visits.
• Work closely with Product Development, Supply Chain and site teams to support launches and changes.
• Stay up to date with legal, customer and factory process changes that impact specifications.

Essential Criteria:

• A food-related degree or qualification (e.g. Food Science, Nutrition, Food Technology or similar).
• A basic understanding of food safety and food legislation, with a willingness to build this knowledge further.
• Strong IT skills, including Excel and Word, and confidence learning new systems.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain information clearly.
• A high level of attention to detail and pride in producing accurate work.
• Well organised, with the ability to manage tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• A positive, proactive approach with a genuine desire to learn and develop within a technical career.
• Flexible and collaborative, with the confidence to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to adapt to changing priorities driven by customer and business needs.

Desirable Criteria:

• Placement year, internship or practical experience within food manufacturing, technical, quality or NPD.
• An interest in product development, food labelling and regulatory compliance.
• Awareness of retail customers and how food products are developed, launched and maintained.
• Some exposure to NPD or product launch processes (academic or practical).

The company Pilgrim's Europe produces some of the best-known and most iconic brands in the UK and Ireland, including Fridge Raiders, Rollover, Denny, Richmond, Oakhouse and Moy Park, alongside a diverse range of industry leading own-label products in categories including fresh pork, lamb and chicken, working with all the major retailers and food service outlets. Our portfolio extends to authentic chilled and frozen ready meals, snacking ranges, added value and food service products. Across Pilgrim's Europe we combine 20,000 of the best people in the industry, united by a shared set of core values and a passion for producing the highest quality, most delicious and innovative food, which is enjoyed by millions of people in the UK, Ireland and Europe every day. Our Pilgrim's Europe team are based in our Pilgrim's UK, Moy Park, Pilgrim's Food Masters and Pilgrim's Shared Services businesses.

To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. To start the process, click the Apply button below to Login/Register.