Product Specification Specialist (Food) - 6 Month FTC

Job description

The Company

An excellent chance has arisen to join a chilled food manufacturer who supply exceptional products to the major retailers. They are seeking a first-rate Product Specification Specialist to support smooth product launches and ongoing customer requirements.

This is a 6 month contact based in the UK starting in February 2026, with a short trip to Vietnam to understand the manufacturing facilities and processes.

The Role

Reporting to the Leadership Team you will act as a key member of the technical team and be responsible for designing, improving and managing the product specification processes and systems so that specifications are accurate, compliant and delivered at speed.

Key Responsibilities will include:

Process Review & Improvement

• Map the current end-to-end specification process (from NPD brief to spec upload/approval) and identify gaps, bottlenecks and risks
• Propose and implement a clear, robust “way of working” for specifications: roles, responsibilities, approvals, timelines, critical-path control
• Set up simple tools, templates and checklists to help the team get specs right the first time
• Track and report key metrics (e.g. Right-first-time rate, turnaround time, number of rejections/corrections) and drive continuous improvement

2. Systems Ownership (Related Platforms)

• Own and manage the Hamilton grand recipes & specification system structure, workflows and data integrity
• Simplify and standardise how the team uses the system; provide training and guidance to colleagues
• Ensure data in Hamilton aligns with production reality and with customer-facing specification platforms (e.g. Brandbank, retailer portals)

3. Hands-On Specification Control

• Review all product specifications for accuracy and completeness before they are uploaded or shared externally (formulation, allergens, nutrition, micro, process, pack info, coding, shelf life, QAS)
• Ensure all specs comply with UK/EU food safety, quality and labelling legislation and with customer-specific standards
• Check and co-approve artwork against specifications, ensuring full alignment with legal, technical and customer requirements.
• Make sure all own-label and branded specifications are kept current and updated when recipes, processes or legislation change.

The Person

This role would suit a motivated and accomplished Product Specifications Technologist who has previous experience in a similar role where you have used retailer’s online spec systems (JS Evolve, Waitrose Product Pathway, Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl).

You will have exceptional analytical, organisation and prioritisation skills alongside a keen eye for detail. Alongside this you will be a confident communicator with the ability liaise with internal and external colleagues to implement change.

Please note this role is a 6-month fixed term contract based in the UK, and will include a short trip to Vietnam. It will be pro rata salary or day rate.

If you have the drive and enthusiasm to take on a new challenge then apply now or contact Jessica on 0345 2600 737 // 07700 137 110 for more information.

Ref: L6933

Although we do our utmost to respond to all applicants, there are times when this is just not possible due to sheer volume so if you have not heard from us within 5 working days then we are sorry to say your application for this role has not been successful.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

City of London

Type of Contract

Casual / Part Time Jobs

Published at

04-01-2026

Profession type

Retail

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English