Specifications Technologist, Specifications Technologist

Purpose To provide skilled technical support by writing, approving and maintaining accurate finished product specifications within the required timeframes, ensuring information contained is consistent with the source data (e.g. raw material data, factory recipes/specs, etc) and compliant with customer requirements, relevant legislation and group policy. To ensure the timely creation and approval of accurate, right first time product pack copies and artwork in accordance with customer requirements, relevant legislation and group policy.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Approve and maintain finished product specifications for all finished products supplied. This will include:
• Completing specifications in accordance with customer protocols ensuring data provided is accurate, valid, and compliant with customer requirements, relevant legislation and group policy - Calculating and generating ingredient declarations in required customer format
• Estimating meat content by both theoretical methods (QUID) and using laboratory analyses.

▪ Ensure that all data and/or claims that are linked with product specifications can be supported and are validated against customer requirements, legislation, group policy or third-party protocols (e.g. RSPO logo approval, Vegan Society etc.).

▪ Receive, evaluate and action as appropriate requests to amend/update specifications ensuring effective communication with all relevant stakeholders.

• Legal pack copy generation of technical information required for product packaging (Primary and Secondary) ensuring compliance with customer requirements and relevant legislation.
• To upload approved cutter profiles onto customer portals.
• Artwork Approval (covering primary and secondary packaging) Working with all relevant stakeholders (e.g. design houses, customers, internal and external commercial teams, printers etc.) to ensure packaging artwork designs are compliant with legal / customer technical requirements.
• To ensure that Recipe Professor is updated with analytical nutrition data that matches artwork.
• To ensure all relevant supporting documentation has been completed to the required standard and is linked to the appropriate specification. This may include, but is not limited to cooking or reheat validations, nutrition results, QAS/QCCP documents, salt exceptions and certificates.
• To keep up to date with customer and legal requirements and ensure all customer portals are maintained.
• To consider and respond to customer queries regarding specifications as and when they arise
• Present product specifications to customers as required during visits/audits and implement corrective actions where required.
• Provide guidance and support to other departments as required to support understanding and awareness of specific customer requirements.
• Work closely with other functions, particularly product development and raw materials supply chain teams, to ensure collaboration on timescales.
• Keep up to date with process changes in factories where they could impact specifications.

Measurable Outputs

• Artworks and specifications are a right first-time accurate representation of the products produced in the factories.
• Artworks meet all customer and legal requirements.
• Deadlines for Specifications & Artwork are met.
• All products have the required validation data needed to support any on pack claims or cooking/reheat instructions.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required

• Experience in writing customer specifications
• Familiar with one or more retail customer portals
• Working knowledge of food labelling legislation
• Familiar with retail customer requirements
• Computer literate - familiar with Excel & Word, comfortable using computer systems.
• Good communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to organise and prioritise workload.
• Excellent attention to detail
• Able to work to strict deadlines.
• Uses initiative, self-motivated and assertive.

Desirable

• 3rd level food science qualification
• Good knowledge & understanding of food labelling legislation
• Good knowledge of breadth of customer requirements
• Working knowledge of multiple customer specification system.
• Able to demonstrate experience in establishing and maintaining relationships with customers.
• Understanding of NPD / Product launch process