At a Glance
- Tasks: Support strategic projects and help open new shops while gaining hands-on experience.
- Company: Heidi Bakery, a growing independent bakery group with multiple locations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, staff discounts, and free food on shift.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with genuine growth opportunities as the business scales.
- Why this job: Get direct exposure to founder-level decisions and real operational challenges.
- Qualifications: Bright graduates or early-career professionals with a proactive mindset.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 36000 £ per year.
Full-Time | £30,000–£36,000 depending on experience
Based in Windsor (in-person role, no remote working)
About Us
We’re Heidi Bakery — an independent, multi-site bakery group with shops across the South East, including Chelsea, Richmond, Windsor, Farnham, Haslemere and New Alresford. Everything we sell is made from scratch in our Windsor kitchen and delivered fresh daily. We care deeply about quality, presentation and customer experience. We’ve recently opened a standout new shop in Richmond and have more sites in the pipeline. We’re a growth business and we intend to open several new shops each year. That means new locations, new systems, new ideas — and a lot of opportunity for someone who wants to learn fast and take real responsibility. If you’re interested in food, hospitality, retail and how customer-focused businesses scale, this is a rare opportunity to see it from the inside.
The Role: Founder Associate – Graduate
This is a high-exposure, hands-on role working directly with the founder and central team. You’ll be involved in projects across operations, finance, marketing, systems and growth. The goal is simple: help turn ideas into execution and help build a more scalable, disciplined business as we expand. You won’t be confined to one department. You’ll see how everything connects. This role is based full-time in Windsor. We believe proximity matters — to the kitchen, to the shops, to the team.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Strategic & Operational Projects
- Support planning and execution of new shop openings
- Help coordinate cross-functional initiatives (systems, suppliers, refurbishments, rollouts)
- Build project plans and track delivery
- Identify blockers and help resolve them
- Performance & Analysis
- Compile and analyse weekly sales, labour and margin data
- Help identify trends and areas for improvement
- Support preparation of internal reports and updates
- Turn numbers into insight and action
- Systems & Process Improvement
- Document and improve internal processes
- Build simple reporting dashboards and trackers
- Help tighten operational rhythms across the business
- AI & Technology
- Help deploy AI tools into the business to improve efficiency and decision-making
- Explore practical use cases for automation, reporting and workflow optimisation
- Support experimentation with new systems and digital tools
- Founder Support
- Help prioritise initiatives
- Follow up on key actions
- Act as connective tissue across different parts of the business
Who This Is For
This role is suited to a bright graduate or early-career professional (0–2 years’ experience) who wants to learn how a real multi-site business operates. We’re looking for someone who is:
- Highly organised
- Commercially curious
- Comfortable with numbers and spreadsheets
- Proactive and self-starting
- Calm under pressure
- Interested in hospitality, food or customer-excellent businesses
- Excited by the idea of building something, not just observing it
You do not need hospitality experience — but you do need to be comfortable in a fast-moving, hands-on environment.
Why This Role Is Different
You’ll get exposure to real commercial decisions, operational challenges and expansion plans — and you’ll be trusted with meaningful work from day one. If you perform well, there is genuine room to grow into more senior operational or commercial roles as the business scales.
Working Location
This role is Windsor-based and fully in-person. We operate in hospitality. Things move quickly, and being close to the kitchen, shops and central team matters. This role is designed to be embedded in the business, not remote from it. Occasional early starts or weekend visits may be required around major launches or openings.
What We Offer
£30,000–£36,000 depending on experience, pension scheme, staff discount and free food and barista coffee while on shift, direct exposure to founder-level decision making, a genuine opportunity to grow with a scaling, multi-site brand.
Founder Associate – Graduate in Windsor employer: Heidi
Heidi is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where you can make a real impact on healthcare technology. With a focus on employee growth, you'll have opportunities to develop your skills while working closely with clinicians to create meaningful AI solutions. Located in a vibrant tech hub, we offer a dynamic environment that encourages rapid iteration and feedback, ensuring your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founder Associate – Graduate in Windsor
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Heidi. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Heidi
Don't be shy about reaching out to Heidi directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Founder Associate – Graduate in Windsor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Heidi and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heidi
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
