Allergen & Specification Technologist

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 Allergen & Specification Technologist will assist with the maintenance and management of allergen compliance standards; in addition to the sign-off of product specifications and associated documentation, across all our stores.  Working collaboratively with a variety of department this role will also be required to support the Head of Food Technical, and the Food Technical department, with administrative tasks.

To ensure that all food products sold in Selfridges comply with our allergen management protocols.

• To conduct allergen compliance audits in our stores (Foodhalls and Restaurants) - checking product labelling, counter tickets, allergen matrices and menus to ensure compliance with all relevant and associated food regulations and online – for our Selfridges owned areas and our concession partners.
• To review allergen handling practices and make recommendations for improvements in accordance with industry and legislative best practice.
• To support the development of allergen training and deliver as required.
• To develop and support allergen champions across all stores.

To ensure that all food products sold in Selfridges have accurately completed product specifications (including allergen information) prior to launch.

• To approve product specifications, counter tickets and/or allergen matrices for food and drink products sold within Selfridges’ Foodhall and Restaurants.
• Liaise with Food Technical, Food B&M, Restaurants teams and suppliers, to ensure the specifications and/or allergen matrices are accurate and approved prior to launch.
• 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.

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.

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.

To maintain an effective communication process 

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

To support the Food Safety team where 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

Ideal Candidate

This role sits within a naturally fast-paced environment. The candidate will ideally have experience working within a food manufacturing or food service environment. They will also have sound working knowledge of Food Law including, allergen management and legal labelling requirements for different types of food and drink products.

• 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. 

About the Company

Our Creative Spirit 

We are more than a shop. We are a social space where culture and commerce collide to release an energy that we call the Selfridges spirit. We are here to make our world brighter, and everyone is welcome. 

Our Awards Cabinet 

We’re not ones to brag, but since you asked...Selfridges has won the award for The World’s Best Department Store an unprecedented four times at the IGDS awards, with an additional award for the Best Sustainability Campaign. We were also recognised as a ‘Best 25 Big Company to Work For 2020’ as awarded by The Sunday Times.

Our Future 

Since 1909 we have been at the forefront of retail and today our stores in London, Manchester and Birmingham – alongside selfridges.com and the Selfridges App – continue to redefine the way we shop and socialise. As a Selfridges team member, you will learn what it takes to consistently drive innovation, success and amazing customer experiences. 

Everyone is welcome

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive working culture, and we see this as key to our success and our working culture. Here at Selfridges, everyone is welcome - irrespective of race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, age or disability, we stand by equal opportunities for all. We are diverse, we are inclusive, we are Selfridges.

The Fun Stuff  

There are lots of reasons to be excited about joining Team Selfridges – from our fantastic team member communities to volunteer days and behind-the-scenes Selfridges experiences throughout the year. 

Other benefits and rewards include:

• Generous bonus and/or commission scheme 
• Discounted gym memberships 
• Pension contributions  
• Annual travel pass and cycle to work schemes 
• Up to five paid volunteering days
• Access to a wide range of training programmes to help your career development

Selfridges