At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a transformative cacao programme shaping the future of sustainability at Hotel Chocolat.
- Company: Join Hotel Chocolat, a brand committed to sustainable practices and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private healthcare, generous discounts, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with a focus on growth and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while leading exciting transformation projects.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading complex transformations and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Job Overview
Hotel Chocolat is seeking a Cacao Transformation Program Manager to lead a strategic transformation program that will shape the brand’s future for the next 10‑20 years.
The role partners closely with the Sustainability & Procurement Director and delivers the programme from strategic intent to tangible outcomes.
The position is a fixed‑term contract and requires senior stakeholder influence and cross‑functional orchestration.
Responsibilities
- Lead the overarching transformation programme to build the world’s most compelling example of sustainable cacao, turning ambition into a qualified, investable, and deliverable plan.
- Develop and update the business case, including strategic rationale, commercial opportunity, investment requirements, resources, risks, roadmap and return expectations.
- Define the programme roadmap, governance, milestones, dependencies and decision points required to deliver the transformation.
- Orchestrate cross‑functional workstreams across sourcing, sustainability, product, technical, supply chain, brand, commercial, finance and market activation.
- Work with Finance and senior leaders to test and refine the commercial case, ensuring assumptions, economics and routes to return are robust.
- Ensure functional owners are clear on their deliverables, timelines and accountabilities, without personally owning every functional output.
- Mobilise the right resources across Hotel Chocolat, Mars, suppliers and external partners to unlock delivery.
- Identify and manage critical risks, trade‑offs and decisions, escalating early with clear options and recommendations.
- Hold the business to account for progress, keeping the programme focused on outcomes rather than activity.
- Define measures of success across impact, brand, consumer, commercial, operational and financial outcomes.
- Build belief, clarity and momentum across the organisation around a complex, multi‑year transformation.
Qualifications
- Essential: Proven experience leading complex, business‑wide transformation or change programmes across multiple functions and senior stakeholder groups.
- Strong experience building and owning business cases for strategic transformation, including investment, benefits, risks, assumptions and return.
- Experience leading through influence in a matrix organisation, creating alignment across teams that may not report directly to the role.
- Excellent communication, facilitation and stakeholder management to inspire others.
- Desirable: Experience in food, drink, FMCG, agriculture, retail, hospitality or consumer brands.
- Experience with sustainability, regenerative agriculture, responsible sourcing, cocoa, commodities or agricultural supply chains.
- Experience working across entrepreneurial/growth brand environments and larger corporate organisations.
- Experience operating across UK and US markets.
- Experience working with suppliers, external partners, NGOs, farming communities or technical experts.
Benefits
Competitive salary and a range of company benefits including private healthcare cover, enhanced maternity and paternity leave, and company pension contributions.
Employees receive a 50% discount on all products and a 70% discount for guests when staying at the Rabot Estate hideaway on Saint Lucia.
Hybrid working is adopted; staff are required to be on site a minimum of 3 days a week and may work remotely for the other 2 days.
EEO Statement
Hotel Chocolat is an equal opportunity employer.
We encourage applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, gender, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Cacao Transformation Program Manager in Huntingdon employer: Hotel Chocolat
At Hotel Chocolat, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values passion and customer obsession. Our vibrant work culture fosters teamwork and personal development, offering a competitive salary, generous discounts, and exciting career progression opportunities in the heart of a premium retail environment. Join us to be part of a dynamic team where your love for chocolate and commitment to excellence can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cacao Transformation Program Manager in Huntingdon
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Local Farms
Don’t be shy about visiting local farms and agricultural businesses — many of them often need extra hands, especially during busy seasons. Take a trip to farmers' markets, community gardens, and agricultural fairs; you’ll make connections and might hear about temporary roles before they’re advertised.
✨Join Agricultural Community Groups
Get involved in local farming networks or online communities dedicated to agriculture. These platforms often share job openings, volunteer opportunities, and events. Plus, building relationships in these circles can lead to recommendations and insider information about temporary gigs.
✨Seasonal Hiring Peaks – Be Prepared
Keep an eye on the seasonal hiring windows; many farms look for temporary workers during harvest time. Be proactive! Reach out to farms directly before peak season and express your interest in helping during those busy periods. It's all about timing!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Our Website
When you find a role you like, make sure to apply through our website! Highlight any relevant skills or experiences, such as volunteering or coursework related to agriculture, which can make you stand out in your application for temporary positions with companies like Hotel Chocolat.
We think you need these skills to ace Cacao Transformation Program Manager in Huntingdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience with Plants:In agriculture, it’s all about hands-on experience, right? Make sure your CV showcases any relevant work you've done with crops, livestock, or even through volunteering. If you’ve held a position that involved tilling the soil or caring for plants, mention specifics so we can see your skills in action!
Highlight Your Physical Stamina:Temporary roles in agriculture can be physically demanding. Don't hesitate to mention any relevant physical capabilities or previous tough gigs you’ve tackled. This gives us confidence that you’re up for the challenges the job might throw at you!
Tailor Your Application to the Weather!:When applying for a temporary gig at Hotel Chocolat, it's super important to let us know your availability, considering that agricultural work can sometimes be influenced by seasons or weather patterns. Make it clear when you can jump in, whether that’s for a few weeks or a month!
Bring along Any Certifications:If you have any cool certificates related to agriculture, like health and safety or machinery operation, be sure to include these in your application. They can really set you apart and show that you’re not just a regular applicant—you're someone who comes prepped and ready to contribute!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hotel Chocolat
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
In the agriculture field, hands-on experience is key. Be ready to chat about any specific tools or machinery you've worked with, whether it’s tractors, irrigation systems, or general farm equipment. If you’ve got experience with crop management or livestock care, flaunt that too!
✨Understand Seasonal Dynamics
Temporary roles in agriculture often revolve around peak seasons, so brush up on how the seasonal cycles affect agricultural work. Familiarise yourself with the planting and harvesting schedules for different crops. This shows that you're not just looking for a job; you understand the industry's rhythm!
✨Flex Your Adaptability
Temporary roles require a bit of flexibility as the tasks can change rapidly. Be ready to discuss past experiences where you had to pivot quickly, whether it was dealing with sudden weather changes or shifting priorities. Employers love seeing that we can adapt and tackle unexpected challenges!
✨Mindful of Safety Regulations
In agriculture, health and safety are paramount. Brush up on relevant safety regulations and be prepared to discuss how you've contributed to a safe work environment in previous positions. Demonstrating your knowledge of these practices will show your commitment to maintaining a secure workplace.
