At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the Dine food strategy across our national estate.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on culinary innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to influence food culture.
- Other info: Based in the North of the UK with travel flexibility.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-profile culinary leadership role.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior culinary roles and a passion for food.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
As Head of Food, you'll shape and lead the Dine food strategy across our national estate, defining what great looks like and ensuring it's delivered consistently, commercially and creatively. This is a high-impact, food-first leadership role. You'll influence everything from concept development and innovation through to mobilisation, execution and long-term growth, ensuring our offer stays relevant, differentiated and ahead of the curve. Working closely with the Culinary Director, Dine Managing Director and senior stakeholders, you'll be the driving force behind our culinary identity. Elevating standards, inspiring teams and embedding a chef-led culture that gives our people the confidence and freedom to innovate.
Responsibilities
- Set and lead the Dine culinary vision, defining what great looks like across quality, innovation, sustainability and commercial performance.
- Act as the senior culinary lead across the business, shaping food strategy and influencing key client relationships to drive retention and growth.
- Develop bold, relevant and commercially viable menus, concepts and recipes that translate seamlessly into operation.
- Drive consistency and high standards across all sites from tenders and mobilisations through to everyday delivery.
- Lead food innovation by identifying emerging trends and translating them into scalable, market-leading offers.
- Build and develop culinary capability, creating strong talent pipelines and future leaders.
- Act as the culinary face of the business, leading client pitches, presentations and high-profile engagements.
- Partner cross-functionally with Marketing, Operations and Supply Chain to bring food strategy to life and deliver commercial impact.
Qualifications
- Proven experience in a senior culinary leadership role within a multi-site, commercial environment (hospitality, FMCG or retail advantageous).
- Strong technical knowledge of food safety, compliance and quality assurance (e.g. HACCP).
- Deep understanding of market trends, dietary inclusivity and modern food presentation.
- A strong chef background with a genuine passion for food, creativity and innovation.
- Commercially astute, with the ability to balance quality, cost and consistency.
- Gravitas and credibility to influence clients and senior stakeholders.
- A track record of building and developing high-performing teams.
- A strategic, hands-on mindset, comfortable leading change at pace.
- Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel.
- Candidates should be based in the North of the UK (no more than 40 miles from Warrington).
Locations
Head Of Food - National in Cheshire, Warrington employer: Equipment Sales & Service Limited.
As the Head of Food, you will join a dynamic and innovative team that prioritises culinary excellence and creativity. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture where your ideas are valued, and you will have ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Located in the North of the UK, we offer a vibrant environment that encourages culinary innovation while ensuring a strong focus on sustainability and quality.
Contact Details:
Equipment Sales & Service Limited. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Food - National in Cheshire, Warrington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and attend food-related events. We all know that who you know can sometimes be just as important as what you know, so get out there and make those connections!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary flair! When you land an interview, be ready to discuss your vision for food strategy and innovation. We want to see your passion for food and how you can elevate standards in a creative way.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you would handle challenges in a multi-site environment. We love candidates who can think on their feet and demonstrate their strategic mindset.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who can help us shape the future of food at Dine.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Food - National in Cheshire, Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your culinary journey and what inspires you to innovate in the kitchen. We want to see that spark that makes you a great fit for our food-first culture.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous roles; dive into the details! Talk about specific projects where you shaped food strategy or led a team. We’re looking for concrete examples that highlight your leadership skills and culinary expertise.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure your application speaks directly to the role of Head of Food. Use the job description as your guide and align your skills and experiences with what we’re looking for. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Equipment Sales & Service Limited.
✨Know Your Culinary Vision
Before the interview, take some time to define your own culinary vision. Think about what 'great' looks like in terms of quality, innovation, and sustainability. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've shaped food strategies in the past and how you can bring that experience to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role is all about leading teams and inspiring creativity. Prepare to discuss your experience in building high-performing teams and how you've fostered a chef-led culture. Have anecdotes ready that demonstrate your ability to influence and motivate others, especially in a multi-site environment.
✨Stay Ahead of Trends
Research current food trends and be prepared to discuss how you can translate these into innovative, commercially viable concepts. Bring ideas for bold menus or recipes that reflect your understanding of market demands and dietary inclusivity. This will show that you're not just reactive but proactive in your approach.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since you'll be working closely with senior stakeholders, think about how you can effectively communicate your culinary vision. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully influenced client relationships in the past and how you plan to do so in this role. Confidence and clarity in your pitch will go a long way!
