At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage specifications for major retailers and ensure compliance in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.
- Company: Reputable food manufacturer known for innovative, high-quality products across the UK and Europe.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, healthcare support, enhanced leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive leadership with genuine progression opportunities in a modern manufacturing setting.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on product quality and customer relationships.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in specifications within food manufacturing and strong knowledge of UK food legislation.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 33000 £ per year.
The Collective Network are partnering with a well-invested food manufacturer looking to strengthen their technical function with the appointment of an experienced Specifications Technologist. This isn't a role for someone who just "does specs." This is for someone who understands the commercial impact of getting them right. The business behind this opportunity has built an impressive reputation within the food manufacturing space, supplying innovative, high-quality products into major retail, foodservice, and manufacturing channels across the UK and Europe. Significant investment across operations, systems, and product innovation means they're continuing to grow, and the technical team is evolving with it. Now they need someone who can bring structure, accuracy, and pace into a fast-moving environment where attention to detail genuinely matters.
The Role
You'll sit within a busy technical team, owning the creation and maintenance of retailer and customer specifications across multiple platforms and product categories. This is a highly collaborative role where you'll work closely with NPD, Process, Commercial, and Technical teams to keep projects moving, launches on track, and compliance watertight.
What you'll be doing:
- Managing retailer and customer specifications across major UK retail and foodservice accounts
- Approving packaging copy and artwork in line with legal and customer requirements
- Supporting product launches through accurate specification management and critical path coordination
- Verifying ingredient, allergen, recipe, and nutritional data
- Acting as a key technical contact for specification-related queries
- Conducting allergen and claims risk assessments
- Supporting audits and ensuring systems remain compliant and audit-ready
- Working across specification platforms and technical systems including retailer portals and ERP systems
- Collaborating cross-functionally to ensure products move efficiently from concept through to launch
What they're looking for
This role suits someone who already knows the pace and pressure of food manufacturing specifications. You'll probably have:
- 3+ years' experience in a Specifications Technologist role within food manufacturing
- Strong retailer specification platform experience
- A solid understanding of UK food legislation, allergens, and labelling compliance
- The ability to manage multiple deadlines without compromising accuracy
- Strong communication skills and confidence working cross-functionally
- A proactive mindset, someone who spots problems before they become issues
Most importantly, they want someone who takes pride in detail and understands the importance of technical accuracy in protecting both customer relationships and brand reputation.
What's in it for you?
- Competitive salary
- Healthcare, dental, and optical support
- Enhanced annual leave package
- Career development and training opportunities
- Modern manufacturing environment
- A business that continues to invest heavily in people, systems, and growth
- Supportive technical leadership team with genuine progression opportunities
If you'd like to hear more about this opportunity, or want a confidential conversation about technical roles within food manufacturing, get in touch with Gemma at The Collective Network today.
Specifications Technologist employer: The Collective Network Limited
Join a leading food manufacturer in Lincolnshire that prioritises innovation and quality, offering a dynamic work environment where your expertise as a Specifications Technologist will be valued. With competitive salaries, comprehensive healthcare benefits, and a strong focus on employee development, this company fosters a collaborative culture that encourages growth and progression within a fast-paced industry. You'll be part of a supportive technical team dedicated to maintaining high standards and ensuring compliance, making it an excellent place for those who take pride in their work.
Contact Details:
The Collective Network Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specifications Technologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food manufacturing industry on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Show them you understand their business and how your skills as a Specifications Technologist can help them maintain their high standards and reputation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially those related to managing specifications and compliance. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in fast-paced environments.
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Specifications Technologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Specifications Technologist role. Highlight your experience in food manufacturing and any specific retailer platforms you've worked with. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about specifications and how you understand their commercial impact. We love seeing candidates who can articulate their thoughts clearly and confidently.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail:Since this role requires a keen eye for detail, make sure to demonstrate this in your application. Whether it's through your CV formatting or the way you present your achievements, we want to see that you take pride in accuracy.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you're proactive, which is exactly what we’re looking for!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Collective Network Limited
✨Know Your Specs Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the specifications relevant to the role. Familiarise yourself with UK food legislation, allergens, and labelling compliance. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your expertise in managing retailer and customer specifications.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight specific projects where you coordinated with NPD, Process, or Commercial teams to keep things on track. This will show that you can thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Given the emphasis on accuracy in this role, come ready with examples that showcase your attention to detail. Discuss how you've managed multiple deadlines without compromising quality, and share any experiences where your meticulousness made a significant impact on a project or product launch.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to specification management and compliance. Brush up on your knowledge of specification platforms and ERP systems, as well as allergen and claims risk assessments. Being well-prepared will help you stand out as a candidate who takes pride in technical accuracy.
