Allied Bakeries are owned by Associated British Foods. ABF is a diversified international food, ingredients and retail group with sales of £20.1bn and 138,000 employees in 56 countries. It has significant businesses in Europe, Africa, the Americas, Asia and Australia. Our sister companies in ABF UK Grocery produce products under many market-leading household brands, including Jordans, Ryvita, Pataks, Blue Dragon & Silver Spoon.
We are proud of our brands: we make top 10 UK grocery brand Kingsmill as well as Allinson's, Bürgen and Sunblest. You'll know us best through our white, wholemeal and seeded market-leading loaves, as well as Kingsmill 50/50, the nation's favourite Healthier White, and our delicious pancakes, crumpets, hot cross buns and other bakery products.
The success of our business depends on us having the right people on the team. We are incredibly passionate about our business, but it isn't for the faint-hearted – it's pacey and demanding so our people need to have a positive attitude and to want to work inclusively. We take massive pride in what we do, not least in how colleagues based in our bakeries and depots have one of the best safety performance records in the industry.
Our Grocery Service Centre, based near Liverpool, is a hub for transactional activity across multiple ABF companies within the ABF Grocery division. Supporting some of our well-known brands such as Kingsmill, Pataks, Blue Dragon, Jordans, Ryvita and Silver Spoon, amongst others. We deliver Shared Service activities across a wide range of disciplines including Customer Services, Consumer Care, Finance, Payroll, HR and IS.
If you're looking to join a business that is passionate, encourages you to be the best you can be, and values its people, we'd love to hear from you.
Overview Of Role
Location – Maidenhead (Hybrid)
Fixed-Term Contract – 6 months
Are you a specification expert ready to hit the ground running? We're looking for an experienced and detail-oriented
Specifications Technologist
to join our central technical team in Maidenhead on a
6-month fixed-term contract
to provide maternity cover.
This short-term role is ideal for someone who brings prior experience and can quickly contribute without a long ramp-up period. You'll be part of a collaborative and expert team, playing a key role in maintaining product quality and technical compliance across our bakery range.
Why Join Us?
We recognise that short-term roles can be hard to come by in technical food functions, so we've designed this opportunity to be both rewarding and impactful from day one. With
competitive pay, hybrid working
, and the chance to join a highly knowledgeable and
welcoming team
, this role is ideal for someone who's between positions, looking for flexible work, or ready to make a quick impact.
"You're never on your own here. The team genuinely supports each other, and the knowledge sharing is second to none – it's a great environment to grow your confidence and skills."
–
Glassdoor review from a Specifications Technologist, Maidenhead
With a 4-star rating on Glassdoor, we're proud of our reputation as an employer of choice and remain committed to creating a workplace where your contributions are recognised, and your experience is valued. Whether you're looking to broaden your portfolio or return to work in a fast-paced technical environment, this role gives you the opportunity to do just that.
The Role
As a key member of the Technical Assurance function, you'll:
* Ensure technical compliance for both internal and external stakeholders
* Work closely with NPD and Account Technical Teams during the product launch process.
* Advise on recipes to meet composition and nutrition requirements.
* Write and publish finished product specifications.
* Ensure accurate packaging and labelling in line with legislation.
* Manage quality assessment resources for all bakery products.
What we're Looking For
We need someone who can get started quickly, bringing the experience to deliver from day one. You'll ideally have:
* A degree (or equivalent) in Food Science or a related field.
* Proven experience completing retailer specifications (e.g. JS Evolve, Asda Hive, Tesco TQC).
* Familiarity with specification systems such as Hamilton Grant.
* Strong attention to detail and ability to manage technical data accurately.
* Solid understanding of food legislation, labelling, composition, and nutrition.
* Excellent time management and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
The Right Person
* Competitive salary
* 33 days' annual leave (pro rata, based on a 5-day week).
* Hybrid working model (office in Maidenhead).
* Pension with matched employer contributions up to 10%.
* Comprehensive induction and onboarding support.
* Access to Employee Assistance Programme (including 24/7 counselling & wellbeing app).
* Cycle to Work scheme and discounts through our Extra Slice platform.