Specification Technologist

Role Purpose

To own and manage customer specifications, packaging specifications, and labelling systems across the business, ensuring all products are accurate, compliant, audit-ready and delivered right first time.

This role acts as the central link between NPD, Quality, Packaging, Operations and Customers, supporting product launches from concept through to post-launch, with a strong focus on specification integrity, packaging execution and customer compliance.

Key Responsibilities

1. Customer Specifications (Core Focus)

• Build, maintain and submit customer specifications across all retailer platforms (e.g. Tesco, ASDA, Lidl, Musgrave, Dunnes).
• Create and manage paper-based specifications where required.
• Own recipe and nutritional data management, ensuring accuracy across all systems.
• Complete legal validation checks (e.g. Ashbury, SGS) to activate specifications.
• Maintain all launch documentation folders (specs, QAS, nutritional, micro data).
• Manage ongoing spec updates and amendments, ensuring alignment with product, packaging and process changes.
• Act as key contact for customer queries relating to specifications and compliance.

      2.Packaging & Labelling Ownership

• Own packaging specifications and material data, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Create and manage BOP (Back of Pack), case and pallet labels using systems such as NiceLabel / Colos.
• Maintain NiceLabel templates and master data files.
• Set up and validate barcodes (retail and internal).
• Review and approve artwork, recycling information and pack formats.
• Define pack sizes, cutter guides and label positioning in line with customer and operational requirements.
• Support pre-pack and production readiness, including line settings and case configurations.
• Approve packaging materials and support new packaging trials and first production runs.

      3.Customer Submissions & Product Launch

• Create and manage technical submission documents for all customer launches.
• Support the critical path process, ensuring specifications and packaging are delivered on time.
• Work closely with NPD and commercial teams to ensure successful product launches.

      4. Quality, Compliance & Audits

• Support creation and maintenance of QAS (Quality Attribute Standards).
• Ensure all specifications and packaging meet food safety, legal and customer standards.
• Participate in customer site visits and audits, presenting technical documentation.
• Ensure compliance with BRC, retailer standards and internal QMS requirements.

       5. Systems & Data Management

• Maintain accurate data across SAP, specification systems and labelling platforms.
• Set up product codes, recipes and packaging data in SAP.
• Ensure alignment between SAP, specifications and labelling systems.

     

       6. Cross-Functional & NPD Support

• Act as a key link between NPD, Quality, Packaging, Operations and Procurement.
• Attend and contribute to key internal cross functional meetings.
• Support HACCP reviews for new products and packaging.
• Assist in continuous improvement of NPD and specification processes.

      7. Packaging Compliance & Sustainability

• Ensure all packaging meets regulatory, customer and environmental requirements.
• Maintain submissions for Repak / Valpak.
• Support initiatives on sustainable packaging and material reduction.

       Experience & Skills

• Experience in food manufacturing / FMCG technical or specification role
• Strong knowledge of customer specification systems (Tesco, ASDA, etc.)
• Experience with packaging, labelling systems (NiceLabel, Colos) and SAP
• Strong understanding of food labelling legislation and compliance
• Highly organised, detail-oriented with strong data accuracy focus
• Confident working cross-functionally and managing multiple priorities