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- Tasks: Lead innovative food trials and optimise store operations for a top foodservice provider.
- Company: Join Henderson Group, Northern Ireland's leading family-owned foodservice provider.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, company car, bonuses, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the food industry while developing your career.
- Qualifications: GCSE English and Maths, plus experience in foodservice operations.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values community and employee development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
At Henderson Group, we are proud to be Northern Ireland's leading foodservice provider. Our group encompasses Henderson Wholesale, Henderson Retail, Henderson Foodservice and Henderson Group Property. We employ over 5,500 staff and have been placed 5th in Ulster Business Top 100 Companies 2024. We are a family-owned team that cares about our people and the community in which we live.
The Food to Go and In-Store Bakery categories are undergoing significant transformation and growth. This pivotal role will help drive operational efficiency, generate actionable insight, and support the delivery of innovative new concepts across our retail estate. You will contribute to both the strategic and operational development of new Food to Go and Bakery initiatives, ensuring they meet world-class standards.
The role holds responsibility for designing and delivering robust trials of new concepts, using data and analysis to inform decisions on wider rollout. You will also be accountable for achieving agreed sales and margin targets in line with KPI objectives.
Working as Concept Trials Manager (Food To Go) you will:
- Concept Trials & Innovation
- Manage the Implementation of new concepts at store level and support store teams to optimise workflows and labour efficiency.
- Evaluate in-store trials to assess the commercial and operational viability of new concepts.
- Analyse performance data and develop dashboard reports based on agreed success criteria (sales, margin, labour and participation) and provide clear recommendations on rollout.
- Contribute operational insight to NPD development and ensure concepts align with operational standards.
- Service & Implementation
- Drive best practice in launching new products and concepts through training and clear communication.
- Coordinate communication plans across key stakeholders.
- Ensure new concepts deliver a high-quality, customer-focused food offer in store.
- Standards & Compliance
- Develop and deliver training and implementation programmes to set stores up for successful trials.
- Provide structured feedback and identify opportunities to improve products, processes, equipment and service.
- Maintain and enforce high standards of food safety and operational excellence.
- Collaboration & Stakeholder Management
- Build strong relationships with store, area and development teams to deliver initiatives effectively.
- Act as a key point of contact for stores, supporting problem-solving and continuous improvement.
- Present trial findings and insights to senior stakeholders to support decision-making.
- Work with suppliers and partners to maximise operational effectiveness.
- Commercial & Cost Focus
- Support delivery of sales, margin and cost targets.
- Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve efficiency and enhance profitability.
- Provide feedback on market competitiveness and performance opportunities.
- Passion for Food
- Demonstrate strong food handling knowledge and attention to detail.
- Inspire store teams to maintain high standards and embrace innovation.
Joining us as Concept Trials Manager (Food To Go) the minimum criteria you'll need is:
- GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent) at grade C or above.
- Minimum 1 years experience within a foodservice operational role.
- Proven experience managing targets and controlling costs.
- Demonstrable commercial awareness with a track record of delivering against KPIs.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Packages (Outlook, PowerPoint & Excel).
- A full, valid UK/EU driving license.
The Attributes you'll need include:
- Strong practical problem-solving skills.
- Highly analytical, with the ability to interpret data and generate clear insight.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Customer-focused, with the ability to motivate and inspire teams to deliver outstanding service.
- Self-motivated and comfortable working independently to identify opportunities and drive improvement.
- Able to inspire and engage others, promoting high standards and strong performance.
- Confident presenting data, insights and recommendations to a range of stakeholders.
It is Desirable if you have:
- CIEH Level 3 Certificate in Food Safety Supervision for Retail or equivalent.
- Previous experience working in Convenience retail Food To Go or quick service restaurant environment.
- Experience in Food Development / New Product Development (NPD).
- Demonstrated success in launching new products or leading change initiatives.
- Project management experience within Retail or Foodservice environment.
As part of this role, it will be important that you feel aligned with the values that we live and work by:
- Ambition: We always strive to be better.
- Customer First: We provide exceptional service.
- Teamwork: We succeed together.
- Integrity: We are fair, honest and ethical.
The impact you can make with Henderson Group goes far beyond your day to day. You will be part of a business supporting defibrillator installations and school sports days. In the last year Henderson group staff and retail stores raised over £1 million for charity partners. You will have the balance necessary to enjoy your job and your life. We will help you to feel proud of what you do and achieve. And we will be here to celebrate your success.
This is a full-time position working 36.5 hours per week. Working hours will be 8:45am-4:45pm Monday to Thursday and 8:45am-3:45pm Friday. Hybrid and flexible working arrangement available. Travel required daily between stores across Northern Ireland.
We are an equal opportunities employer.
Concept Trials Manager (Food To Go) employer: Henderson Group
Contact Detail:
Henderson Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Concept Trials Manager (Food To Go)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the foodservice industry, especially those connected to Henderson Group. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research Henderson Group’s recent initiatives in Food to Go and think about how your skills can contribute. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a mate to do a mock interview with you. Focus on articulating your experience in managing targets and driving operational efficiency, as these are key for the Concept Trials Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, shoot a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows you’re keen and professional, which is always a plus in their books!
We think you need these skills to ace Concept Trials Manager (Food To Go)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Concept Trials Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in foodservice and any specific achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves a lot of data analysis, don’t forget to mention your analytical skills and any tools you’ve used. We love seeing how you interpret data and make decisions based on insights, so share examples where you’ve done this successfully.
Communicate Clearly: Your written communication skills are key for this position. Keep your application clear and concise, and make sure to proofread for any typos or errors. We appreciate attention to detail, so let that shine through in your writing!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and you’ll be good to go!
How to prepare for a job interview at Henderson Group
✨Know Your Concepts
Before the interview, dive deep into the Food to Go and In-Store Bakery categories. Familiarise yourself with current trends, popular products, and any recent innovations in the foodservice industry. This will not only show your passion for food but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the role.
✨Data is Your Friend
Since the role involves analysing performance data, brush up on your analytical skills. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve used data in past roles to inform decisions or improve processes. Bring examples of dashboard reports or insights you've generated to showcase your ability to turn data into actionable recommendations.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
You’ll need to present trial findings to senior stakeholders, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock presentations with friends or family, focusing on how to convey complex information in an engaging way. Remember, storytelling can make your data more relatable!
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Henderson Group values teamwork, so be ready to share examples of how you’ve collaborated with others in previous roles. Highlight instances where you’ve motivated a team or contributed to a successful project. This will help illustrate that you’re not just a lone wolf but someone who thrives in a collaborative environment.