Sr Scientist Specifications

Position Title: Sr Scientist Specifications

Position Type: Regular - Full-Time

Grade: Grade 05

Requisition ID: 42725

The Senior Scientist, Specifications is responsible for developing, maintaining, and ensuring compliance of all product specifications for items sourced from the GB and EMENA regions within the Global Snacking portfolio. This role ensures that specifications meet regulatory, quality, and safety standards while supporting business continuity and innovation. The position requires strong technical expertise, cross-functional collaboration, and a proactive approach to risk management.

Responsibilities

Specification Ownership

• Develop, review, and approve specifications for raw materials, packaging, and finished products sourced from GB and EMENA regions.
• Ensure specifications comply with global standards, local regulations, and customer requirements.

Governance & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date specification data in relevant systems.
• Ensure adherence to food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements across all markets.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Procurement, and Manufacturing teams to align specifications with business needs.
• Support regional and global teams during audits, product launches, and supplier onboarding.

Risk Management

• Identify and mitigate risks related to specification gaps or inconsistencies.
• Provide technical guidance to resolve specification-related issues promptly.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive process improvements for specification management systems and workflows.
• Contribute to global harmonization initiatives for specification standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in specification management within FMCG or food industry.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, regulatory compliance, and quality systems.
• Experience with specification systems and data governance.
• Excellent attention to detail, analytical skills, and ability to manage complexity.

McCain Foods is an equal opportunity employer. As a global family-owned company, we strive to be the employer of choice in the diverse communities around the world in which we live and work. We recognize that inclusion drives our creativity, resilience, and success and makes our business stronger. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

McCain is an accessible employer. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials or accessible meeting rooms), please let us know and we will work with you to find appropriate solutions.

Your privacy is important to us. By submitting personal data or information to us, you agree this will be handled in accordance with McCain’s Global Privacy Policy and Global Employee Privacy Policy, as applicable. McCain leverages AI in the hiring process, though all final decisions are made by humans. You can understand our approach to AI and how your personal information is being handled here.

Job Family: Research & Development

Division: Global Research and Development

Department: Specialist - Specification

Location(s): FR - France : Nord : Villeneuve-d'Ascq

Company: McCain Alimentaire SAS