Specification And Artwork Manager

The Role

Ready to take ownership of Specifications & Artwork within a fast-paced Product Development environment?

We're working with an established food manufacturer to recruit an experienced Specifications & Artwork Coordinator to join their Product Development team.

This is a key role sitting at the heart of the NPD process, responsible for ensuring specifications and artwork are delivered accurately, on time and in line with critical paths.

You’ll lead a small specialist team while working closely with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders to keep projects moving from the creative stage through to launch.

You’ll take ownership of the Specifications & Artwork function, ensuring the team delivers right-first-time results while maintaining visibility across multiple NPD projects and changing deadlines.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Managing and supporting a team of Specifications & Artwork Technologists.
• Maintaining and managing NPD critical paths from concept through to launch.
• Ensuring specifications and artwork are accurate and delivered within agreed timescales.
• Working closely with customers and internal stakeholders to agree and manage project timelines.
• Monitoring product change authorisations and specification-related change management.
• Managing customer specification portals and ensuring information remains accurate and up to date.
• Acting as a key point of contact for specification and artwork queries.
• Providing guidance on food labelling, retailer policies and relevant food legislation.
• Supporting Technical audits with product, specification and artwork queries.
• Identifying issues early, managing priorities and escalating where necessary.
• Driving continuous improvement across specifications and artwork processes.
• Developing team members through regular feedback, coaching and personal development planning.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone with a strong understanding of food specifications, artwork and retailer requirements, who is comfortable managing multiple projects and influencing stakeholders.

You’ll ideally have:

• Previous experience within Specifications, Artwork, Technical, Product Development or a similar food industry role.
• Strong knowledge of retailer policies relating to Product Development, raw materials and food legislation.
• Detailed understanding of Stage & Gate, specification and artwork processes.
• Experience using retailer specification and artwork systems.
• Experience managing multiple projects against critical paths and changing deadlines.
• Previous experience managing, mentoring or coordinating a team.
• Excellent planning, organisation and time management skills.
• Strong communication skills, with the confidence to work with customers, suppliers and colleagues at all levels.
• A proactive approach to challenging existing processes and driving continuous improvement.
• Strong IT skills, particularly Excel, Word, Teams and SAP.A relevant degree would be advantageous, although equivalent industry experience will be considered.

Why This Opportunity?

This is a role where you'll have genuine ownership and visibility across the NPD process.

You’ll be at the centre of the relationship between Product Development, customers, Technical and Artwork, ensuring products move from creative concept through to successful launch.

If you're currently working in Specifications, Artwork or Technical and are ready to take the next step into a role with greater ownership, team leadership and influence across NPD, this could be an excellent opportunity.

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