specification technologist

Company Description

Dina Foods, established in 1992, is one of the UK’s leading producers of specialist Mediterranean foods, including authentic flatbreads, confectionery, and savouries. Combining Mediterranean traditions with a focus on quality ingredients and product innovation, Dina Foods has grown from a small family-run business to a market leader serving both national and international customers. The company's dedication to producing high-quality products, free from additives and artificial colorings, drives its continuous success. Dina Foods’ product range includes traditional Mediterranean flatbreads, savoury items like houmous and falafel, and premium hand-crafted confectionery such as Baklawa.

Role Description

• 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