Role:-Specification Technologist Team Lead (12-Month FTC)
Location: Remote (UK-based)
Type:-Full-Time Mon- Fri, Fixed-Term (12 Months)
Russell Taylor Group are looking for a Specification Technologist Team Lead to join our well-established client on a 12-month fixed-term contract. In this remote-based role, you will lead a team of product information and compliance specialists, delivering accurate and legally compliant specification reviews and regulatory advice to leading food retail clients.
You will be responsible for managing the delivery of services for one or more key client accounts, ensuring specifications meet retailer requirements and timelines. Experience with retailer specification portals (such as Tesco TQC, M&S Find, Sainsbury's etc.) is essential.
This is a highly client-facing role that combines leadership, technical knowledge, and project coordination in a fast-paced, commercial environment.
Responsibilities
• Day-to-day leadership of a team of Specification Technologists and Advisors
• Manage the delivery of food specifications and related compliance documentation for one or more major retailer accounts
• Act as a key contact for client stakeholders, resolving issues and aligning on expectations
• Provide expert advice on food labelling, compliance, and regulatory interpretation
• Allocate and oversee workloads, ensuring timelines and quality standards are met
• Support specification uploads, data input, and risk-based reviews through retailer portals
• Monitor performance and provide coaching, support, and development for team members
• Escalate technical or resourcing challenges appropriately
• Deputise for the Team Manager or Technical Controller when needed
• Identify opportunities to improve ways of working and support continuous improvement initiatives
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of UK and EU food legislation, codes of practice, and industry standardsEssential:
The Person
• Degree in Food Science, Regulatory Affairs, or a related discipline, or significant relevant experience
• Minimum 2 years in a food technical, compliance, or regulatory role
• Strong working knowledge of retailer specification portals (Tesco, M&S, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Morrisons, etc.)
• Excellent understanding of UK and EU food labelling legislation
• Confident communicator with strong organisational and workload management skills
• Experience managing or mentoring others in a technical or regulatory setting
• Fluent in English (spoken and written)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and technical documentation tools
Benefits
• Remote working model
• Company pension scheme
• Private healthcare options (individual and family)
• Life insurance
• 25 days annual leave + public holidays, with additional leave linked to service
• Option to buy or sell annual leave
• Charity leave and payroll giving options
• Cycle to Work scheme and more
Important Information: We endeavour to process your personal data in a fair and transparent manner. In applying for this role, Russell Taylor will be acting within your interest and will contact you in relation to the role, either by email, phone or text message. For more information see our on our website. It is important you are aware of your individual rights and the provisions the company has put in place to protect your data. If you would like further information on the policy or GDPR please get in touch with us
