Specification Manager

Title : Specification Manager

Remote/Hybrid/On-site : Hybrid (Majority Remote)

Location: North West England

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Specification Manager to join a dynamic New Product Development (NPD) team on a 12-month fixed-term contract based in Crewe.

This role is integral to the successful delivery of both New Product Development (NPD) and Existing Product Development (EPD) projects. You will play a key role in bringing innovative food products to market by creating and maintaining accurate compliant product specifications that meet customer requirements industry standards and legal obligations.

Working closely with Development Technical Procurement Packaging and Customer teams you will ensure the smooth management of product information throughout the product lifecycle from concept through to launch and eventual delisting.

Salary

43000 - 45000 per annum depending on experience.

Working Hours

Monday to Thursday: 08:30 17:00
Friday: 08:30 16:00

This is a hybrid role with occasional travel requirements. Access to your own transport is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Create complete and maintain customer specifications and online portal information in line with customer requirements and business objectives.
• Manage specification administration throughout the full product lifecycle from concept to delist.
• Collaborate with Procurement Technical and Packaging teams to ensure the accuracy and maintenance of raw material and packaging data.
• Ensure compliance with current food labelling legislation retailer codes of practice and customer-specific requirements.
• Provide documentation and administrative support to Product Development and wider business functions as required.
• Lead site-level artwork approval processes to ensure packaging meets legal customer and industry standards.
• Support customer visits and external audits from a specification and compliance perspective.
• Promote and maintain safe working practices across the site.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential Experience

• Experience using customer specification systems within the food industry.
• HACCP and Food Safety training.
• Experience with meat analysis.
• Critical path management experience.
• Background within food manufacturing and FMCG environments.

Key Skills

• Strong planning organisational and project management skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Effective presentation and reporting abilities.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications particularly Excel and Word.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about food and product development (product tasting across multiple categories is required).
• Enthusiastic proactive and eager to learn.
• Self-motivated with a flexible and adaptable approach.
• Strong team player with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Solution-focused mindset with a positive attitude.

Benefits

• 33 days annual leave including bank holidays.
• Hybrid working arrangements.
• Two paid volunteering days per year.
• Retail and online discount schemes.
• Employee wellbeing and support networks.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities including access to a personalised learning platform.
• Charity initiatives and team engagement events.
• 24/7 access to confidential financial emotional and practical support services.
• Physical wellbeing benefits including fitness resources and gym discounts.
• Financial wellbeing tools including budgeting and mortgage support resources.
• Additional holiday and lifestyle discounts through employee benefits platforms.

Why Apply

This is an excellent opportunity to join a collaborative and fast-paced food manufacturing environment where you can make a tangible impact on product development and customer satisfaction while enhancing your own professional growth and experience.