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Location: Nelson
Salary: 33,000 - 35,000
Contract: Full-time, Fixed term contract (till March 2027)
Reports to: Technical Manager
Direct reports: Raw Material Section Leader
Coordinates with: NPD Manager, QA Manager, Sales, Procurement & Production
About the Role
We're looking for an experienced Specification Technologist to join our technical team. This pivotal role ensures all product specifications - for both own-label and branded products - meet customer, regulatory, and industry standards. You'll oversee supplier approvals, manage retailer web-based specification systems, and play a key part in ensuring compliance, accuracy, and efficiency across our technical processes.
If you're highly organised, detail-focused, and passionate about food quality and compliance, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a fast-paced, quality-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities
Product Specification Management: Develop, review, and approve detailed product specifications, including ingredients, allergens, nutrition, and packaging.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all specifications meet current UK, EU, and US food safety, quality, nutritional, and labelling regulations.
Artwork Review: Verify that packaging artwork aligns with specifications and complies with legal and customer standards.
Supplier & Customer Liaison: Act as a technical point of contact for suppliers, customers, and internal teams, managing audits and compliance queries.
Documentation & Systems: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records within internal and retailer systems, ensuring robust document control.
Project Support: Manage critical path timelines for new product launches, ensuring specification readiness and technical approval.
Raw Material Management: Maintain supplier approval databases, perform risk assessments, and oversee product authenticity, food defence, and VACCP.
Audit & Accreditation: Support customer and third-party audits, including preparation for BRC accreditation.
System Ownership: Manage the Hamilton Grand recipes and specification system, ensuring all specs are current and compliant.
About You
Essential:
Degree (or equivalent experience) in Food Science, Food Technology, or related field
Strong knowledge of food manufacturing, packaging, and labelling regulations
Proficient in Microsoft Office and retailer specification systems
Level 3 Food Hygiene (or above)
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Desirable:
Background in bakery or similar food manufacturing environment
Experience with BRC audits and customer specification systems
Internal Auditor qualification
Familiarity with Hamilton Grand recipe and specification software
In return for your commitment my client offers a stable and secure career for a technically motivated engineer. If you feel this is of interest, please call Luke Donnison for a confidential discussion on (phone number removed).
