Specifications Technologist

Zertus UK & Ireland, Based at either Kinnerton Fakenham (Norfolk) or Humdinger Sherburn (North Yorkshire)
Are you passionate about ensuring food safety and quality? Join Zertus UK & Ireland as a Specification Technologist, where you'll play a crucial role in producing safe, legal, and high-quality chocolate and snacking products for our customers!
This fast-paced and rewarding position requires a keen eye for detail and an interest in food safety laws. You'll manage the creation and approval of artwork documentation, ensure compliance with food labeling laws, and respond to customer queries. Based at either our Fakenham (Norfolk) or Sherburn-in-Elmet (North Yorkshire) locations, you'll collaborate with a dedicated team to maintain our high standards and delight chocolate and snacking lovers everywhere!
Responsibilities:

• Manage the generation and approval of customer (retailer) brands and Kinnerton/ Humdinger brands pack copy documentation, correctly and in a timely manner, ensuring all relevant information is captured for the artwork (including marketing titles, "new" flashes, barcodes etc).


• Being a 'buddy' to other members of the team to proofread and check their work is accurate.


• Become an expert in Food Labelling Law, ensuring any on-pack claims are backed up and actively participate to agrees titles, subtitles and any special "on-pack" claims.


• Manage the generation and approval of packaging information on the retailer specifications. Manage retailer specifications including the generation and approval of Retailer Finished Product Specifications and Brands using the Specification system (Recipe Professor) and successfully input into Retailer portals or onto paper documentation.


• Complete and manage product technical enquires when requested.


• Respond to customer queries and requests relating to Product Specifications.


• Liaise with the translator service provider to ensure correct legal translations used on pack and correct on pack copy for GSP art worker to use.


• Liaise with translator service provider to ensure product in the packaging can be legally sold in destined country.


• Communicating with the team regarding legislation updates and attend any training to keep your knowledge current.


• Proofread and approve artwork in line with legal and customer codes of practice.


• Respond to customer/consumer complaints and contacts received via the technical site teams.
  
  Scientific background: degree / HND educated in food science, food technology, chemistry or product quality-based subject or related discipline.


• Understanding of UK/EU food legislation - the desire to become an expert!


• Excellent organisational and administrative skills in a fast-moving dynamic environment.


• Ability to work with colleagues at all levels across the business and confidence to put across own point of view, open, honest and trustworthy.


• Able to work independently and with initiative and the ability to work within teams.


• Attention to detail.


• Computer literate - Able to use Excel, Word, PowerPoint & Outlook, as well as other online software.


• Ability to work within teams, to be inquisitive by nature and willingness to look for novel solutions.


• Use of retailer specification systems (or a quick learner with strong IT skills).


• Relevant experience in Food industry.
  
  Zertus UK & Ireland comprises three distinguished entities - Humdinger Foods, Kinnerton Confectionery, and Lir Chocolates. Our expertise spans the manufacturing of a diverse range of snacks and chocolates, with multiple facilities and offices strategically positioned throughout the UK and Ireland. With a commitment to innovation, we strive to craft products that captivate and delight our customers. As the UK & Irish division of Zertus GmbH, headquartered in Hamburg and boasting a workforce of over 2000 employees across Europe, we are part of a dynamic and expansive global network.


When you join Zertus, you will be based at one of our Humdinger, Kinnerton, Bromborough or Lir Chocolates UK/ Ireland locations, unless your role is hybrid/home-based.

Our manufacturing Locations: Heckington, Sherburn-in-Elmet, Fakenham, Bromborough, Navan (Ireland). We have a hot-desking office space in Hull (East Yorkshire) and also in Camden, London.
Application & Interview Process: We invite you to begin your application by submitting your CV online. Our interview process is designed to be engaging and insightful: First Stage: Online interview via Teams Second Stage: On-Site Experience - Join us at one of our locations for an on-site visit, where you'll also complete a hands-on specifications task.

Attractive Company Pension Scheme and Life Assurance: Enjoy the security of a pension scheme and life assurance at x4 basic salary.

• Company-Paid Health Care Cash Plan: Access to a comprehensive Health Care Cash Plan through Paycare, with additional rewards for high street and retailer discounts.


• Generous Annual Leave: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays


• Holiday Purchase Scheme: Purchase an extra 5 days of leave per year.


• Charity Involvement: Engage in charity fundraising and team events, with an extra day of paid leave for charity/community work.


• Staff Shop Discounts: Access exclusive discounts through our staff shops.


• Employee Values Awards: Recognize and celebrate our team's dedication.


• Referral Bonus Vouchers: Benefit from referral bonuses for bringing in top talent


• Training and Development Opportunities: Invest in your growth with ongoing training and development.


• Bespoke Training for New Factory Workers: Tailored training to ensure a seamless integration.


• Free Parking: Enjoy hassle-free parking at all our manufacturing sites and offices.


• Excellent Facilities: Relish in top-notch facilities, including a well-appointed canteen.


• ESG Commitment: Be part of our ongoing commitment to our ESG strategy, focused on protecting our people, communities, and the planet.


• Access to Grocery Aid Charity Support: Avail assistance through Grocery Aid, supporting our community and promoting well-being.