Specifications Technologist

Specifications Technologist

Date: 13 Apr 2026

Location: Barnsley, GB

Based: Barnsley (S71 3HF)

Contract: 12 Month FTC, Full Time

We’re now looking for a Specification Technologist (Raw Materials) to join our supportive and knowledgeable Technical Information team.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone early in their technical career or an experienced Specification Technologist looking to deepen their expertise within a well‑established, people‑first organisation. Reporting into the Senior Specifications Technologist, you’ll play a key role in ensuring our raw material data is accurate, complete and compliant. Working with internal stakeholders and external suppliers, you’ll manage specifications from request through to approval, supporting compliant and safe finished products across our portfolio of best‑loved brands.

You’ll be fully supported with training and ongoing development as you build confidence and capability within our systems and processes.

What you’ll be doing?

• Requesting, reviewing, processing and approving raw material specifications using the Hamilton Grant system
• Working closely with suppliers to obtain and validate ingredient data
• Ensuring all specifications meet internal “Gold” standards and relevant legislation
• Supporting accurate finished product specifications and labelling
• Managing raw material changes and ensuring impacts to retailer specifications are captured and communicated
• Answering technical queries relating to allergens, nutrition, country of origin, shelf life and claims
• Liaising with Factory Technical, R&D, Procurement, Regulatory and Consumer Care teams
• Maintaining workload trackers and contributing to team KPIs
• Supporting projects from concept through to completion
• Ensuring specifications remain within agreed SLAs and review cycles

What we need from you?

We’re open to both junior and experienced candidates and will tailor training and support accordingly.

You’ll bring:

• A degree, HND or HNC (or equivalent) in a relevant subject
• Strong attention to detail and confidence working with data
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build effective working relationships
• The ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment
• Good IT skills and the confidence to learn new systems
• A proactive, organised and self‑motivated approach
• Behaviours aligned to our leadership values

Experience in the food industry and/or specification writing is beneficial but not essential for junior candidates.

What we offer you in return?

• Up to 7.5% pension
• Life assurance
• Sharesave scheme and the option to purchase additional holiday
• Extensive learning and development opportunities
• Access to a wide employee discount scheme

At Premier foods we believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality. We aim to ensure all existing and future colleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to work no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love or what they believe in. Our culture is one where everyone is welcome.

We’re proud to be a Disability Smart employer and are committed to supporting disability inclusion throughout our recruitment process. If you experience any access issues or require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know so we can ensure you have the support you need.