specification technologist

Company Description

Established in 1992, Dina Foods is a leading artisan producer of specialist Mediterranean foods in the UK. With a focus on using only the finest ingredients, we offer a range of authentic flatbreads, confectionery, and savouries to national and international customers. Our commitment to quality and innovation drives our success in the market.

Role Description

This is a temporary, on-site Specification Technologist role located in the London Area, United Kingdom at Dina Foods Limited. The Specification Technologist will be responsible for managing technical documentation, ensuring compliance with food regulations, and liaising with suppliers and internal teams to develop product specifications.

Responsibilities

• Update and maintain detailed product specifications to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements, customer expectations, and internal standards.
• Ensure all product specifications are supported by validated claims such as nutritional, health, provenance, allergen claims, RSPO, etc.
• Manage DDF internal specification databases to ensure all information is accurate, current, and accessible to relevant stakeholders.
• Validate product labels to ensure they accurately reflect specifications and comply with labelling regulations and legal requirements.
• Ensure all product information complies with current food safety standards, labelling regulations, and legal requirements.
• Monitor food safety alerts, conduct horizon scanning, and take necessary corrective actions.
• Stay informed on changes in food legislation and proactively adjust specifications and processes to maintain compliance.
• Support internal and external audits by ensuring product information and documentation are audit-ready and compliant.
• Flag audit requirements and concerns to the Technical Manager & Assistant Technical Manager, ensuring supplier compliance.
• Liaise with suppliers to obtain accurate product information, certifications, and compliance documentation.
• Approve new suppliers, maintain supplier risk assessments, and manage supplier-related documents and lab results.
• Provide technical support to customers regarding product specifications, allergens, and compliance issues.
• Complete customer specification forms, set-up documents, samples, listing forms, and ad-hoc requests.
• Maintain and update customer portal systems.
• Support the Assistant Technical & Technical Managers in training teams on specification systems and compliance processes.
• Provide factory teams with accurate, up-to-date manufacturing specifications
• Collaborate with Sales, Operations, and Technical teams to gather necessary inputs and align on specification requirements.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure specifications are integrated into processes effectively.
• Address discrepancies or non-conformance issues in product specifications and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Technical & Technical Managers to identify and implement process improvements, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Complete general office administration tasks and provide cover for technical team absences.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Technical Manager and Technical Manager to support and manage key Technical KPIs, ensuring alignment with operational and quality objectives.
• Manage the Shelf Life protocol and maintain the nutritional database (e.g., A la Calc system), ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory and internal standards.
• Undertake ad-hoc projects and tasks assigned by the Assistant Technical Manager & the Technical Manager.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in specification management within the food manufacturing or FMCG industry.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations, quality assurance principles, and product specification management.
• Proficiency with specification systems/databases and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Understanding of production processes, raw material specifications, and nutritional analysis.
• Excellent attention to detail, organisational skills, and ability to prioritise multiple tasks.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a commitment to continuous improvement and quality assurance.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, maintaining a positive, solution-focused attitude.
• Experience in the food industry or a related field
• Degree in Food Science, Nutrition, or a related discipline

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary, Temp to perm