At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead food strategy, innovate menus, and drive quality across multiple locations.
- Company: Exciting food brand in Central London with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits, and a chance to shape the future of food.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for significant career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a beloved brand and influence its growth trajectory.
- Qualifications: Experience in food innovation and product development within hospitality or food retail.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
I'm partnering with one of the most exciting food brands in London to find their first true Head of Food. This is an opportunity to take a brand with a strong product, loyal following and ambitious growth plans and help define what the next chapter looks like. The business has built an incredible reputation around quality, freshness and customer experience. They're now at the point where they need a senior food leader to zoom out, set the strategy and build the structure that will support future growth.
They're looking for someone who can sit comfortably between creativity and execution. Someone who gets excited by product innovation but also understands the operational reality of rolling great food out across multiple locations.
Why this role is interesting
- The foundations are already there.
- There's a talented food team in place, a clear brand identity and a leadership team that's invested in food as one of the key drivers of the business.
- The opportunity is to bring greater long-term thinking, improve planning around menu development and launches, and create a world-class food function that can support the next phase of expansion.
- You'll have genuine influence across the business and a seat at the table when it comes to shaping where the brand goes next.
What you'll be responsible for
- Defining the food strategy and innovation roadmap
- Leading menu development and seasonal launches
- Building more structure and rigour around the NPD process
- Driving food quality and consistency across the estate
- Leading and developing the existing food team
- Working closely with Operations, Marketing and Supply Chain
- Identifying future growth opportunities across food categories and dayparts
- Ensuring innovation translates successfully into operational execution
What they're looking for
This role would suit someone who has led food innovation, food strategy or product development within a recognised restaurant, hospitality, food retail or consumer food brand. They want someone with experience delivering meaningful product launches at scale. Just as importantly, they're looking for somebody who can bring leadership, commercial thinking and operational credibility. The successful candidate will be naturally curious, highly collaborative and passionate about building great food businesses.
What's ahead
- A significant breakfast launch
- New product development projects
- New site openings
- Further evolution of the menu
- Continued focus on quality and value
- Building stronger launch and planning processes across the business
The details
- Central London based
- 4 days per week in the office
- Circa £100,000 basic salary plus benefits
For the right person, this is a chance to leave a genuine mark on one of the most exciting growth brands in the market.
Head of Food in Slough employer: Bite Talent
Join a dynamic and innovative food brand in Central London, where your leadership will directly influence the future of a company renowned for its quality and customer experience. With a strong focus on employee growth, collaboration, and creativity, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape food strategy while working alongside a passionate team in a vibrant city. Enjoy competitive compensation and benefits, all while being part of an exciting journey towards expansion and excellence in the food industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Food in Slough
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Bite Talent.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Bite Talent!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Bite Talent, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Bite Talent, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Food in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Bite Talent, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Bite Talent.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Bite Talent. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Bite Talent. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bite Talent
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Bite Talent’s mission.
