Specification Technologist

Job Introduction

Are you looking for a new challenge that gives you the chance to take ownership of the food and drink we sell at Selfridges in the safest way possible! Are you ready to use your knowledge of Customer Service to take Customer Experience at Selfridges to the next level?  Looking for a company that wants to help further your career as well as provide you with an exciting, inspiring and fun place to work?   

If the answer to all of these questions is ‘yes’ then you’re just the kind of person we’re looking for!  

Role Responsibility

The Food Technical team are responsible for ensuring the food and drink we sell and serve, is managed in a safe and legal way, to guarantee the highest possible product quality.  The Specification Technologist will assist with the maintenance and sign-off of product specifications and associated documentation, across all our stores; working collaboratively with a variety of departments.  This role will also be required to support the Head of Food Technical, and the Food Technical department, with administrative tasks.

1. To ensure that all food products sold in Selfridges have accurately completed specifications prior to launch.

• To approve product specifications and counter tickets for food and drink products sold within Selfridges’ Foodhall and Restaurants.
• Liaise with Food Technical, Food B&M, Restaurants teams and suppliers, to ensure product specifications are accurate and approved prior to launch.
• Check product labelling, counter tickets, to ensure compliance with all relevant and associated food regulations.
• Support with allergen matrix compliance across our Foodhalls and Restaurants
• To support the Own Label product and packaging development process (including artwork/copy reviews)
• Where necessary, highlight concerns or issues with non-compliant specifications or other documents, in good time, prior to launch.
• Approve all specifications, or other documents, in-line with Selfridges policies, procedures and ethical trading requirements.
• Support the on-going review and development of the Quality Management System – including the Supplier Quality Assurance programme.

1. To ensure the specification system is effectively managed

• Provide timely, accurate, legally compliant technical support, for specifications, product artworks and allergen matrices.
• Set procedure in place for the on-going management of specification system.
• Ensure best practice is shared across all relevant departments.
• Support the reporting requirements for effective, specification management – highlighting risks to key performance indicators as required.

1. To liaise with suppliers, Buyers and Restaurants Operations to resolve queries with product specifications.

• Manage specification queries.
• Review product labelling to ensure compliance and highlight non-compliance to relevant parties.
• Where necessary contact Food Research and Food Safety Consultants for assistance to approve specifications or product labels.

1. To ensure that the information from approved specifications is communicated to other departments across the business in good time prior to launch.

• Liaise with Food B&M Team to ensure that where required product codes are accurately mapped so the data can be transferred to other departments across the business.
• Liaise with Online and Copy Teams to ensure that product information is correct on Selfridges.com.
• Liaise with Ticketing Team to ensure that the correct product information is on product counter tickets on the shop floor, this information is to come from approved specifications.

1. To maintain an effective communication process 

• Attend New Lines meeting with Food B&M.
• Attend meetings with Chefs with regards to new raw material and new menu launches.
• Ensure and maintain effective communication of specification approval statistics.
• Where required attend Own Label product & packaging development meetings.

1. To support the Food Safety team were required

• Conduct food hygiene inspections to schedule and produce audit reports.
• Support the development and delivery of additional training material and briefing notes for our key stakeholders.
• Support in food complaint investigations and monthly microbiology sampling.
• Conduct administrative tasks including invoicing, expenses, team bookings.
• Help build a food safety culture.

The Ideal Candidate

• Passion for food, food safety and food quality standards
• Good literacy and numeracy skill
• Great collaborator with sound communication skills
• Methodical approach with keen attention to detail
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Good organisational skills, ability to plan and prioritise different tasks
• Self-starter, able to use own initiative
• Strong relationship building skills, ability to work in a team
• Ability to analyse data and problem solve
• Flexible approach, adaptable to change

Relevant Experience/Qualifications

• Degree/HND in Food Science, Environmental Health or related discipline
• Understanding of food composition
• Understanding of basic nutrition
• Sound allergen awareness
• Knowledge of food labelling legislation and associated Regulations
• Level 2 HACCP – desirable
• Competent IT experience (Microsoft Office programmes; Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), web-based programmes & data management systems
• Project management and ability to deliver to tight deadlines

This job is a brilliant opportunity to join a close-knit team who are incredibly passionate. If you’re looking to come into a new role and make a real impact, then this will be perfect for you.