At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead product development and innovation for itsu's grocery range.
- Company: Join a fast-growing Asian-inspired food brand with over 80 locations.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, health insurance, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with great growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on exciting food products that reach homes worldwide.
- Qualifications: Experience in food product development and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
About Us
Atitsu
, we're passionate about making healthy eating exciting, accessible, and affordable. As an Asian-inspired food brand, we’ve grown to over 80 restaurants across the UK and Belgium
, while building a thriving grocery business that reaches customers across Europe and beyond.
Known for our fresh, high-quality food prepared daily in every shop, we're on an ambitious growth journey.
With plans to expand our store estate, accelerate our grocery presence, and continue investing in innovation, technology, and our people, we're shaping the future of healthy fast food.
itsu (grocery)
, where this role sits, extends the much-loved itsu brand beyond our shops and into supermarkets, health food retailers, online channels, wholesale partners, and international markets.
Our growing product range includes customer favourites such as crispy seaweed thins, frozen gyoza and bao, brilliant'broth, rice'noodles, and miso'easy
, bringing the taste and quality of itsu into homes around the world.
Joining itsu means becoming part of a fast-paced, innovative business with big ambitions, a strong culture, and a shared mission to help people eat beautifully every day.
About the role
- As a
- Product Controller
(ambient) you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the itsu (grocery) portfolio.
Leading a team of product developers, you'll drive our innovation agenda, oversee the successful delivery of NPD and EPD projects, and build strong supplier partnerships that bring exciting, commercially successful products to market.
- Drive end-to-end delivery of complex product development projects, ensuring on-time and on-budget execution.
- Build and strengthen strategic supplier relationships to support innovation and continuous improvement.
- Manage category budgets, forecasts and resource planning to maximise commercial returns.
- Champion product quality, value engineering and cost optimisation across the portfolio.
This is a high-impact role for someone who thrives on innovation, and strategic thinking.
Working within the itsu (grocery) Product team, you'll collaborate closely with Commercial, Procurement, Marketing and Supply Chain to bring our exciting products to consumers.
Key Role Responsibilities
- Oversee the successful delivery of category projects from concept through to launch, proactively managing risks, priorities, resources and stakeholder expectations.
- Develop and maintain an 18+ month innovation pipeline in partnership with the Product Director, informed by consumer trends, category insights and competitive analysis.
- Partner closely with Procurement and suppliers to deliver innovative products, drive efficiencies and ensure successful project execution.
- Own the category NPD budget, ensuring accurate forecasting, strong financial control and effective resource allocation.
- Monitor product quality standards and implement improvement plans while supporting cost-saving initiatives that maintain product excellence.
This is a highly visible leadership role where you'll have the opportunity to influence category strategy, inspire innovation and make a lasting impact on a rapidly growing business.
The ideal candidate will have
- Significant experience in food product development, innovation and project leadership within FMCG, grocery or food manufacturing.
- Strong commercial awareness with experience managing budgets, supplier relationships and cross-functional stakeholder groups.
- Exceptional project management skills with the ability to oversee multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
- A strategic mindset with proven experience building innovation pipelines and translating consumer trends into successful product launches.
- Strong problem-solving, communication and influencing skills, with the confidence to challenge and drive continuous improvement.
What We Offer
- Competitive Salary
- Competitive Bonus Scheme
- 25 days holiday + Bank holidays (two bank holidays are interchangeable for other religious holidays)
- Health Insurance
- Company Pension Scheme
- Hybrid Working model: 4-day onsite/1-day WFH.
- 50% employeediscount in itsu shops
- Free itsu lunch every day
- Discounts at major retailers
- Salary sacrifice cycle and electric vehicle schemes
- Development & Growth opportunities
At itsu (grocery), everyone’s taste matters, and so does who’s behind it.
We celebrate diversity and are an equal opportunities employer.
Applications from all backgrounds are encouraged.
If you need support or adjustments to apply, we’ll happily accommodate.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
London - Product Controller 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 London - Product Controller
✨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 London - Product Controller
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.
