Food Development Manager (Airline Catering)

En Route International operates globally as part of dnata, one of the world’s largest combined air services providers. With offices in the UK, USA, Australia and UAE, En Route supplies premium baked goods, meals and snacks to the travel industry. We focus on partnering with world-class manufacturers, customising products and packaging to suit individual customer needs while managing a complex supply chain with the highest levels of precision.

Job purpose: The Food Development Manager is responsible for leading the innovation, development and launch of high-quality food and beverage products. Providing expertise across En Route’s core categories, ensuring all project tasks are completed within agreed timescales and to the required standards, taking project ownership where applicable. Working closely with the Head of Category to shape the category plans and their tactical execution. In addition to having product responsibility this role will also support strategic projects as required.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end development of new food concepts and product ranges
• Conduct tastings, presentations and menu showcases for customers and internal stakeholders
• Work closely with customers to understand their brand positioning, route profiles and passenger expectations and translate this into detailed product briefs for suppliers
• Understand the wants and needs of both our customers and the end consumer
• Build strong relationships with customers, establishing self as subject matter expert
• Partner with suppliers and technical colleagues on first trials, first production and oversee implementation of new products ensuring compliance with food safety standards
• Monitor culinary trends, competitor activity and passenger feedback to drive continuous improvement and innovation
• Ensure that the product portfolio is refreshed, reviewed and updated in line with Category plan to ensure it is relevant and contemporary
• Avoid unnecessary spread in range eliminating obsolescence and optimising inventory
• Act as an En Route ambassador at PR and Marketing events as and when required
• Collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders to ensure Innovation, ingredient quality, cost effectiveness and sustainability where appropriate
• Working with Technical to ensure product safety and adherence to guidelines
• Work with supply chain to ensure effective mobilisation
• Support commercial account managers during client pitches and tenders
• Ensure any direct reports have clear performance goals that are regularly reviewed throughout the year
• Deputise for Head of Category as required
• Travel overseas as required for customer and supplier meetings
• To undertake any other duties, which may from time to time be assigned.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Experience in food product development or manufacturing, ideally within airline catering or wider food service, with strong knowledge of stage‑gate processes and a clear understanding of factory manufacturing from an NPD perspective.
• Excellent culinary awareness, with hands‑on experience working across multiple product categories such as sandwiches/food‑to‑go, ready meals, bakery, cakes, and other relevant ranges.
• A strong passion for food, product innovation, and understanding emerging trends.
• Commercial acumen with the ability to balance creativity and practicality.
• Excellent communication skills and strong stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to build and maintain strong business relationships.
• A customer‑focused mindset and a clear sense of accountability - both personally and in enabling others.
• Confidence in making data‑driven decisions and collaborating effectively across internal and external partners.

Desirable attributes:

• Experience using a retail category approach to product development.
• Chef background with expertise across multiple categories.
• Experience working in a matrixed, international organisation.
• People management experience.
• Negotiation skills.

Technical skills:

• Advanced understanding of food manufacturing processes.
• Confident user of Microsoft Office applications (PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong presentation skills.
• Competence in specification design and detailed product costing.
• Ability to interpret and analyse market trends.

Important to know: Location: the successful candidate will be based out of our Windsor office with an expected 3-4 days per week onsite, plus business travel as required. We are committed to creating an inclusive, equitable, and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences, and we are dedicated to ensuring a fair and accessible recruitment process for all candidates. If you require any adjustments or support during the application or interview stages, please let us know - we’re here to help!

Regrettably, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond individually to every candidate. If you have not heard from us within 10 working days of submitting your application, unfortunately you have not been successful on this occasion. We take your privacy seriously. Any personal data you share with us during the application process will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection laws and used solely for recruitment purposes. Your information will be stored securely and retained only for as long as necessary.