Product Specification Lead Location:
Windmill Lane/Carrickmacross/Grantham/Craigavon/Dungannon Department:
Technical / Quality Assurance Reports To:
Head of Specifications Contract Type:
Permanent Purpose of the Role To provide skilled technical support by writing, approving, and maintaining accurate finished product specifications within required timeframes. Ensure all information is consistent with source data (e.g., raw material data, factory recipes/specs) and compliant with customer requirements, relevant legislation, and group policy. Lead, coach, and train a small team of Specification Technologists. Key Accountabilities Legal Compliance Build a well-trained, diligent team capable of challenging on-pack claims and mandatory data. Act as subject matter expert on customer and legislative requirements. Support R&D/NPD and cross-functional teams to ensure product compliance. Strategy Train and align team to a standard way of working (WOW). Develop strong relationships with customers and manufacturing sites. Attend development meetings to provide technical input and challenge. Project manage large launches to ensure consistency and timely delivery. Conduct gap analyses to maintain compliance with evolving standards. Team Development Use OPEX tools to upskill team and foster a learning culture. Promote knowledge sharing and regular engagement. Provide regular 1-2-1s and maintain formal training plans for all team members. OPEX Improvement Support central initiatives to improve systems and processes. Continuously review practices to identify improvement opportunities. Business & Customer Value Build a flexible team with broad knowledge to support multiple sites. Streamline standard work for increased focus and efficiency. Ensure retailer issues are escalated and resolved efficiently. Act as a key contact for communication between sites and customers. Skills & Knowledge Skill Essential/Desirable Experience in FMCG industry Essential Understanding of customer, legislative, and group policies Essential Strong communication skills Essential Excellent attention to detail Essential Competence with specification systems Essential Natural coaching ability Desirable
Qualifications Qualification Essential/Desirable Degree in Food Science or related discipline Desirable Legal labelling training (e.g., Campden BRI, Leatherhead) Essential TPBN1_UKTJ