Specification Technologist

We are recruiting for a Specification Technologist to join a well-established and growing food manufacturing business.

This role sits within the technical team and is responsible for managing supplier approvals and overseeing the creation, maintenance and compliance of finished product specifications across own-label and branded ranges.

You will work closely with NPD, QA, Production, Procurement and Sales to ensure specifications are accurate, compliant and launch-ready within retailer systems.

This is a key compliance-focused role with direct impact on product launches, retailer relationships and audit readiness.

Key Responsibilities

Product Specification Management

• Create, review and approve detailed finished product specifications

• Maintain own-label and branded specifications within retailer web-based systems

• Ensure all specifications are accurate, up to date and legally compliant

• Manage artwork approval against specifications

Regulatory & Legal Compliance

• Ensure compliance with UK, EU and US food labelling legislation

• Verify allergen declarations, nutritional data and ingredient listings

• Guarantee packaging and artwork align with legal and customer standards

• Respond to retailer technical requests and questionnaires

Supplier Approval & Risk Management

• Manage raw material and service supplier approval database

• Conduct risk assessments including VACCP, food defence and authenticity

• Maintain accurate technical documentation

Project & Launch Support

• Support new product launches including shelf-life testing and QAS

• Manage critical path actions during specification-to-launch process

• Ensure all technical approvals are secured ahead of launch

Audit & Documentation

• Support BRC and customer audits

• Maintain document control systems

• Own and manage the Hamilton Grand recipe & specification system

Experience & Skills Required

• Proven experience in a Specification Technologist or Technical role within food manufacturing

• Strong understanding of food science, manufacturing and packaging

• Experience using retailer specification systems

• Knowledge of UK food labelling legislation

• Food Hygiene Level 3 (minimum)

• Excellent attention to detail

• Strong organisational and project management skills

• Confident using Microsoft Office

Desirable

• Bakery manufacturing experience

• BRC experience

• Internal Auditor qualification

• Experience using Hamilton Grand specification system

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a compliance-led food manufacturer where specifications play a critical role in protecting retailer relationships, audit standards and successful product launches.

If you are detail-driven, technically strong and comfortable operating in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, this role offers genuine responsibility and impact.