Job Description

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Product Specification Lead

Location:

Windmill Lane/Carrickmacross/Grantham/Craigavon/Dungannon

Department:

Technical / Quality Assurance

Reports To:

Head of Specifications

Contract Type:

Permanent

Purpose of the Role

To provide skilled technical support by writing, approving, and maintaining accurate finished product specifications within required timeframes. Ensure all information is consistent with source data (e.g., raw material data, factory recipes/specs) and compliant with customer requirements, relevant legislation, and group policy. Lead, coach, and train a small team of Specification Technologists.

Key Accountabilities

Legal Compliance

Build a well-trained, diligent team capable of challenging on-pack claims and mandatory data. Act as subject matter expert on customer and legislative requirements. Support R&D/NPD and cross-functional teams to ensure product compliance.

Strategy

Train and align team to a standard way of working (WOW). Develop strong relationships with customers and manufacturing sites. Attend development meetings to provide technical input and challenge. Project manage large launches to ensure consistency and timely delivery. Conduct gap analyses to maintain compliance with evolving standards.

Team Development

Use OPEX tools to upskill team and foster a learning culture. Promote knowledge sharing and regular engagement. Provide regular 1-2-1s and maintain formal training plans for all team members.

OPEX Improvement

Support central initiatives to improve systems and processes. Continuously review practices to identify improvement opportunities.

Business & Customer Value

Build a flexible team with broad knowledge to support multiple sites. Streamline standard work for increased focus and efficiency. Ensure retailer issues are escalated and resolved efficiently. Act as a key contact for communication between sites and customers.

Skills & Knowledge

Skill

Essential/Desirable

Experience in FMCG industry Essential


Understanding of customer, legislative, and group policies Essential


Strong communication skills Essential


Excellent attention to detail Essential


Competence with specification systems Essential


Natural coaching ability Desirable

Qualifications

Qualification

Essential/Desirable

Degree in Food Science or related discipline Desirable


Legal labelling training (e.g., Campden BRI, Leatherhead) Essential

The company

Pilgrim's Europe produces some of the best-known and most iconic brands in the UK and Ireland, including Fridge Raiders, Rollover, Denny, Richmond, Oakhouse and Moy Park, alongside a diverse range of industry leading own-label products in categories including fresh pork, lamb and chicken, working with all the major retailers and food service outlets.


Our portfolio extends to authentic chilled and frozen ready meals, snacking ranges, added value and food service products.


Across Pilgrim's Europe we combine 20,000 of the best people in the industry, united by a shared set of core values and a passion for producing the highest quality, most delicious and innovative food, which is enjoyed by millions of people in the UK, Ireland and Europe every day. Our Pilgrim's Europe team are based in our Pilgrim's UK, Moy Park, Pilgrim's Food Masters and Pilgrim's Shared Services businesses.

What we'll bring to the table

Competitive Salary

Competitive Holiday Entitlement

Pension Contribution

Family Friendly Policies

Learning and Development Opportunities

Life Assurance

People matter

Our values

Determination

Simplicity

Availability

Humility

Discipline

Sincerity

Ownership