Technologists in London

Location: Office Based (London)

Position: Full-time, 12 month Fixed-Term Contract

The Azzurri Group is one of the UK’s largest and most successful hospitality investment platforms. We operate two leading national Italian full-service brands, Zizzi and ASK Italian, and the UK’s leading quick-service Italian, Coco di Mama. Beyond Italian cuisine, we boast renowned Irish fast casual Mexican restaurant brand Boojum, and the franchise rights to leading US Brand Dave’s Hot Chicken.

As a group, our purpose is to build better food businesses that sustain happy, healthy lives. At Azzurri, we believe that a diverse and inclusive team is essential to building great relationships and connections, and ultimately a better business.

Working across the Azzurri Group you will be responsible for managing supplier approval and food product specification approval across our restaurant brands, ensuring all food and drink supplied to the business is safe, compliant and accurately documented. The role supports the continued development of our internal technical capability and plays a key part in supporting menu launches, supplier changes and ongoing food safety assurance. You will have exposure to multi-brand operations and fast-paced menu development.

• Own day-to-day supplier approval and product/specification approval activity across Azzurri brands.
• Work closely with the Technical Manager, Procurement and Brand teams to support menu development, supplier onboarding and change.
• Manage high volumes of technical documentation within a fast-paced, multi-brand hospitality environment.
• Provide technical support to the wider Quality & Safety team as required.
• Manage the approval and re-approval of food and beverage suppliers in line with company standards and food safety legislation.
• Review supplier documentation including food safety certifications, questionnaires and supporting evidence.
• Monitor supplier approval status and risk ratings, escalating issues where required.
• Review, approve and maintain food and drink product specifications for all menu items.
• Ensure specifications meet food safety, allergen and regulatory requirements and are suitable for hospitality operations.
• Manage technical supplier complaints such as foreign objects, mould, spoilage or packaging defects.
• Provide technical input to food safety enquiries, including ingredients and allergens (no direct customer contact).

Previous experience in a food technical or specifications role within hospitality, foodservice or retail desirable. Degree or qualification in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition or a related discipline preferred. Level 3 Food Safety qualification desirable (or willingness to work towards). Internal auditor training desirable (or willingness to work towards).

Competitive salary • Annual bonus (up to 10% of your salary) • The opportunity to work remotely on an ad hoc basis • Employer pension contribution 3% each month • 25 days holiday plus bank holidays • Income Protection & Life Assurance • Access to WeCare wellbeing services and online GP for you and your family • Cycle to Work scheme • Interest free travel loan • Eye care & flu vaccination vouchers • 50% discount at ASK Italian, Coco di Mama, Dave’s Hot Chicken and Zizzi.

We have a great office designed by our own in-house creative team, located in Central London, just opposite the Edgware Road Circle line tube stop. As you might expect from a restaurant company, we have great, free espresso and some top-class baristas among our teams. A free Coco di Mama breakfast is provided every Tuesday and Thursday and free fruit is available all day every day. We regularly order in pizza, pasta and salads for lunch.