At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and optimise food processes for our innovative Asian-inspired dishes.
- Company: Join itsu, a leading brand in healthy fast food with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous time off, free meals, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Be part of a growing team with exciting career opportunities and fun events.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food quality and efficiency in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume food operations and a passion for food development.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
this is itsu We are the leading Asian-inspired quick-service retail and grocery brand with over 80 restaurants across the UK, Belgium, and a growing wholesale business across Europe and beyond.
Our renowned delicious food made fresh in every restaurant, every day, has made itsu a top choice for healthy eating.
In addition to our restaurants, itsu [grocery] offers a range of high-quality Asian-inspired foods available online and in supermarkets.
We are excited to be one of the leading brands in this specific group and have ambitious plans for continued growth both domestically and globally.
With its best-in-class-food, latest technology, innovation, and talented workforce, itsu is the future of fast food.
this is the job The Food Operations & Process Developer reports to the Head of Food and makes sure food ideas can work brilliantly in shops.
The role takes new and existing products from development through trial, launch, post-launch review and continuous improvement, making sure recipes, preparation methods and processes are safe, consistent, efficient and practical across different shop formats.
They are the link between food development and shop execution, working closely with Food, Operations, How To, Technical, Supply Chain and the Rice & Fish Quality Specialist.
This is a hands-on specialist role with clear ownership for food operational readiness.
The person assesses whether products and processes are ready for shops, escalates material issues and can recommend delaying rollout where significant operational problems remain unresolved.
Final commercial and Technical sign-off sit with the relevant accountable teams.
- Core Responsibilities
- Brings practical shop thinking into food development from the start, making sure products can be prepared consistently, safely and efficiently across the estate.
- Leads trials, validates recipes and processes, owns the operational readiness assessment and escalates unresolved issues before rollout.
- Develops and owns clear food preparation methods and technical content, working with How To to turn these into simple training and guidance for shop teams.
- Works closely with the Rice & Fish Quality Specialist and relevant teams to investigate ingredient, food quality and process issues, identify root causes and put practical solutions in place.
- Leads post-launch operational review, uses shop feedback and performance evidence this is you
- Strong experience in high-volume food operations, quick-service restaurants, food development or food process development.
- Able to run trials and turning food concepts into repeatable operating processes, as understands the commercial impact of food processes, including labour, yield, waste, equipment requirements, ingredient cost, preparation time and shop workload.
- You will have good judgement on whether food quality issues come from the ingredient, process, equipment or execution.
- Be organised and able to take work from early development through trial, launch, post-launch review and continuous improvement, able to spot unnecessary complexity and turn it into a simpler way of working.
- Curious, practical and focused on improving how food is prepared and served every day
Perks & Benefits
- A competitive salary
- Flexible working, including 1 day a week from home, and up to 2 week a year working from abroad
- Generous time off allowances [including bank holidays]
- Free breakfast and snacks available everyday
- A free itsu lunch whenever you are in the office and 50% off in all stores, for when you are not
- We cover a variety of different benefits such as physical, mental, financial, environmental and social wellbeing
- An array of business events and socials throughout the year
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Food & process operations developer employer: itsu
itsu is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises health, innovation, and employee well-being. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for professional growth, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while contributing to the exciting expansion of the itsu brand. Located in London, the company fosters a diverse and inclusive environment, ensuring that every team member's voice is valued and heard.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food & process operations developer
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like itsu.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from itsu!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like itsu, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at itsu, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Food & process operations developer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at itsu, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at itsu.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to itsu. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at itsu. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at itsu
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to itsu’s mission.
