Labelling and Specifications Technologist - Food Solutions & Quality

Labelling and Specifications Technologist

Attractive Salary & Benefits

36.5 Hour week (Hybrid) (Two Positions Available: One permanent & One temporary position up to 12 months)

Newtownabbey

Who are we?

Henderson Group is proud to be Northern Ireland’s leading foodservice provider and one of the region’s largest employers. Our group encompasses Henderson Wholesale, Henderson Retail, Henderson Foodservice and Henderson Group Property who work together to serve customers and communities across Northern Ireland, supported by more than 6,000 colleagues.

We're a family-owned team that cares about our people and the community in which we live. Our commitment to creating a positive place to work is reflected in our Investors in People Gold accreditation.

For those joining Henderson Group, this means being part of an organisation that values your contribution, supports your development and encourages you to build your skills, share ideas and grow your career.

A look into the role

Henderson Wholesale is a leading Wholesaler in Northern Ireland and supplies goods to over 450 stores across various brands such as SPAR, EUROSPAR and VIVO. We source from local farmers, growers and producers and are proud to contribute to our local economy and environment.

We achieved Gold accreditation against the Investors in People standard framework in 2023 in recognition of people management excellence and our commitment to investment in people.

The purpose of the role:

Our Fresh Foods Quality department in Henderson Wholesale have a new opportunity for a Labelling and specifications Technologist to join them on a full-time basis. Reporting to the Group Quality Assurance Manager, this role will work in partnership with relevant stakeholders to across our business to ensure label compliance for Natasha’s Law all products produced and labelled in our stores.

This truly is an invaluable role in the continued development of our Group’s total quality management agenda with specific focus on Food to Go products sold in our stores. This position will allow the successful candidate to introduce and maintain management procedures that focuses on delivering legal compliance for Henderson Brand Food to Go offerings to ensure customer safety and continued Brand protection.

Working as Labelling and Specifications Technologist you will:

• Working in conjunction with Henderson Technology set up label formats for products, ensuring that they are compliant to Natasha’s Law and FIC legal requirements.
• Responsible for printing and approving label content on all FTG PPDS items.
• Manage Substitution Process:  Food Service notification / risk assessment / escalation of concerns or business impacts / recording and Fresh IQ system amendment.
• Routinely complete store spot checks and compliance audits against label content / recipe building and allergen controls.
• Routinely complete store spot checks and compliance audits on non-Henderson Retail Daily Deli & SPAR Bakery stores, to ensure compliance and protection of the brand.
• Individual will be a key advisory contact for stores (Henderson Retail & Independent).
• Individual will act as advisory / liaise and support to Company owned not Daily Deli store models.
• Be fully informed on all legislation requirements and plan for future legislation changes, ensuring Henderson Group are at the fore front of the highest standards of compliance solutions for both our company owned and independent estate.

Skills for Success

Joining us as Labelling and Specifications Technologist the minimum criteria you’ll need is:

• A third-level qualification in a food-related discipline.
• A recognised Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• A full, valid UK or EU driving licence with access to your own vehicle for travel purposes

The Attributes you’ll need include:

• Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate confidently and professionally.
• A proactive, self-motivated approach, with the initiative and ability to work independently and use own judgement.

It is Desirable if you have:

• Familiarity with Quality Assurance standards in food manufacturing or FTG settings.
• Understanding of food safety protocols and HACCP principles.
• Knowledge of allergens and corresponding control measures.
• Certification in Level 3 Food Hygiene and HACCP.
• Completion of Level 2 Internal Audit training.
• Prior involvement in the Food Manufacturing or FTG industry.
• Previous engagement in business enhancement initiatives would be beneficial.

Are we right for you?

As part of this role, it will be important that you feel aligned with the values that we live and work by.

Ambition – We always strive to be better. We seek new challenges and look for ways to do things better.

Customer First – We provide exceptional service. We put customers at the heart of everything and support our communities.

Teamwork – We succeed together. We help colleagues to succeed, and we share our knowledge and skills.

Integrity – We are fair, honest and ethical. We treat everyone with dignity and respect. We are inclusive and champion diversity.

The Reward

The impact you can make with Henderson Group goes far beyond your day to day. You will be part of a business supporting defibrillator installations and school sports days. In the last year Henderson group staff and retail stores raised over £1 million for charity partners.

You will have the balance necessary to enjoy your job and your life. We will help you to feel proud of what you do and achieve.  And we will be here to celebrate your success.

Our business has been recognised externally for delivering excellence in employment.  We value employee development and heavily invest in our people.

Benefits include market competitive salary, contributory pension scheme, healthcare, life assurance, employee assistance programme, social club, Reward Gateway Employee Recognition & Discount Scheme throughout UK/Ireland, staff discount (grocery/fuel) at SPAR/EUROSPAR Henderson Group company-owned stores and many more.

This is a full-time position working 36.5 hours per week. Working hours will be 08:45am-04:45pm Monday to Thursday and 08:45am-03:45pm Friday. Due to the nature of the role, flexibility in working hours is required to accommodate business needs, particularly during peak periods. Alternative working patterns may be considered. Hybrid and flexible working arrangement available.

If you'd like to speak with us before making your application, our Talent Acquisition Specialist - Joanne McClelland would be happy to have a confidential chat with you about the role on offer - email joanne.mcclelland@henderson-group.com to get in touch.

Completed applications must be submitted online by midnight on Wednesday 25th  November 2026

We are an equal opportunities employer.