Specifications Technologist - Hybrid

Location: Barrowford

Reports to:

Technical Manager
Direct reports:
Raw Material Section Leader
Coordinates with: NPD Manager, QA Manager, Sales, Procurement and Production

Job Purpose:

Oversees supplier approvals and is responsible for creating, maintaining, and updating specifications for own-label and branded finished products using web-based retailer systems, including artwork sign-off, allergen and nutrition information, to ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
Key Accountabilities
(This list is not exhaustive)
 
* Product Specification Management:
Overseeing the development, review, and approval of detailed product specifications, covering ingredients and other relevant factors.
 
* Regulatory Compliance:
Ensuring all product specifications comply with current food safety, quality, nutritional, and legal labeling regulations.
 
* Project Support:
Proactively managing critical path items and addressing issues during the specification-to-launch process to ensure timely and successful product introductions
 
* Supplier & Customer Liaison:
Acting as a key point of contact for both internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers, customers, and technical teams, to resolve issues and manage compliance audits.
 
* Documentation & Systems:
Maintaining accurate, up-to-date documentation and ensuring effective document control and management within relevant systems
Functional / Operational excellence
Reviewing artwork against specification, to ensure full compliance with legal and customer specifications.
Managing and maintaining the raw material and service suppliers approval database, including risk assessment, VACCP, food defence and product authenticity.
Ensuring retailers technical requests, including customers specifications, questionnaires are responded to promptly
 
* Provide up to date labelling, nutritional and allergen information on all new product introductions and existing products when label change revision is required
 
* Ensure technical co-approval of packaging by verifying that artwork aligns with specifications and complies with current market regulations on quality, safety, and labelling.
 
* Guarantee that all product information, including nutritional data, allergen declarations, and ingredient lists, complies with UK,US,EU food safety legislation and customer-specific standards.
 
* Support product launches (shelf-life testing and QAS)
 
* Provide comprehensive documentation and support for customer and third-party audits, such as those for BRC accreditation
 
* Ensure that all own-label and branded specs are up to date
 
* Own and manage the Hamilton grand recipes & specification system.
Knowledge and Specific Skills
Food Science & Technical Expertise: A strong understanding of food science, manufacturing, and packaging.
Attention to Detail:
The ability to meticulously manage critical information and ensure accuracy.
Analytical & Project Management

Skills:

Strong analytical thinking and project management abilities to oversee complex processes and timelines.
IT proficiency:
Must be competent with Microsoft Office, and experienced with various retailer specification management.
 
* Food hygiene level 3 and above
 
* Relevant industry experience
 
* Good Communication skills
 
* Literacy skills
 
* Numeracy skills.
Desirable
 
* BRC experience
 
* Internal auditor course
 
* Hamilton Grand recipes and specification programme.
At least 2 days a week on site every week, Monday-Thursday 06:30-17:00