Specifications Writer – Bala
We are seeking a detail-oriented and skilled Specifications Writer to join our long-standing client in Bala.
This is a full-time position, and the starting salary is £32,500 per annum.
Main roles and responsibilities:
- Primary account responsibilities to be agreed upon with the Technical Services Manager/Technical Manager, ensuring a fair distribution of workload and projects. Account assignments may change during employment.
- Full knowledge of primary account requirements, including retailer/customer codes of practice and standards.
- Basic understanding of other accounts to support specification completion as needed, such as for holiday cover or periods of higher workload.
- Responsible for writing and completing finished product specifications for retailers, customers, and own brand products.
- Management of critical path task completion for primary accounts.
- Ensure specifications are completed to a high standard, "right first time," and in line with KPIs.
- Oversee and manage retailer systems, including specification and artwork systems, and communicate relevant notifications internally to the appropriate personnel.
- Generate pack copies for own brand specifications, including the creation of sub and legal names.
- Review and approve artwork, including design, content, cutter guides, CAD references, etc. Liaise with third parties and retailers/customers during the artwork process, coordinating with both artwork and print houses.
- Support the NPD team with theoretical nutritional calculations and assist with submission form completion as part of the NPD gate process and product submissions.
- Conduct “cross checks” with the NPD team to ensure alignment between factory paperwork, recipes, specifications, and other relevant information.
- Perform “specification cross checks” with the team prior to submission to ensure all information is accurate.
- Responsible for reviewing Brandbank submissions, checking and approving product photos and information before they are launched on retailer systems.
- Participate in pre- and post-launch reviews as required.
- Basic understanding of Brexit-related requirements and ability to calculate codes accordingly.
- Attend NPD meetings and other relevant meetings as needed.
- Support additional projects related to the role, such as reviewing packaging matrices or Product Information Guides.
- Awareness of supplier approval processes and raw material specifications, providing support for raw material risk assessments and supplier approval processes as needed.
- Basic knowledge of BRC and retailer audit requirements.
- Stay informed of relevant legislation and regulations applicable to the role.
- Fulfil any other reasonable business requirements, such as completing internal audits.
- Assist in training and developing other specification writers when necessary.
Skills and qualities:
The following are essential;
- Previous experience in a similar role, ideally involving bakery or complex products.
- Familiarity with at least three of the following retailer systems: Tesco, Sainsbury's, Co-op, Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl, Premier/Mondelez (Hamilton Grant).
- Current knowledge of the requirements or Codes of Practice (COP) for at least three of the retailers listed above.
- Ability to work independently to meet deadlines.
- Capable of performing under pressure and managing tight turnaround times.
- Strong time management skills.
- Effective team player.
- Strong problem-solving skills, whether independently or within a team.
- Adaptable and flexible work approach.
- Clear and effective communicator, both written and verbal, with internal teams and external customers, including third parties.
- Basic knowledge of Brexit coding requirements.
- Training in packaging and legal labelling.
- HACCP/Food Safety Level 2 certification.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
The following are advantageous;
- Extensive knowledge of the following retailer systems: Tesco, Sainsbury's, Co-op, ASDA, Morrisons, Aldi, Lidl, Premier/Mondelez (Hamilton Grant), and Iceland.
- Current understanding of all relevant retailer requirements and Codes of Practice (COP).
- Degree in a food-related field or equivalent qualification.
- Familiarity with Brexit export regulations.
- Awareness and understanding of sustainability standards such as FSC, RSPO, UTZ, and RFA.
- Experience with retailer specification systems.
- Training in internal auditing.
- HACCP/Food Safety Level 3 certification.
If you feel you may be able to make a success of this role, then please do not hesitate in your application by completing the below form and attaching your CV.
You can also speak with a member of our team for more information on the role, or If this position isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on 01938 501445.