London - Sourcing, Quality & NPD Manager (MAT Cover)

The Ivy Collection is a group of 61 restaurants across the UK and Ireland, including Ivy Brasseries, Ivy Asia, Harry’s Restaurants, Brasserie of Light and the original Ivy West Street (established in 1917). Our iconic restaurants are celebrated for exceptional food, outstanding service, and creating unforgettable moments. We have an excellent opportunity for a Sourcing, Quality & NPD Manager to join our Food Development team on a 12-month fixed-term maternity cover, supporting the delivery of exceptional food across The Ivy Collection.

In this role, you will proactively manage sourcing, product quality, and NPD processes across all Brands. You'll be responsible for developing and implementing sourcing strategies, innovation, managing supplier relationships, optimising cost and quality and ensuring a reliable and safe supply of all food products. This role supports cross-functional teams, including Operations, Procurement and Marketing.

• Work in close collaboration with the Menu Development team to understand and proactively source all product requirements.
• Identify, evaluate new products / suppliers globally.
• Negotiate price, commercial terms and service level agreements.
• Plan and conduct cost analysis, benchmarking, and competitive sourcing across product categories.
• Ensure all products supplied to the business meet the agreed product specifications and manage the resolution of out of spec products with suppliers.
• Holds overall responsibility for the development and control of the upkeep back of house technical sheets and head office technical sheets.
• Provide resolution for ongoing supplier quality issues, working ‘hand in glove’ with key Operational Teams - Area Chefs, Development and Procurement stakeholders to make fast paced decisions.
• Build and develop relationships with incumbent and potential suppliers to drive NPD within the supply chain.
• Organise and manage NPD sessions throughout the year with relevant stakeholders within the business.
• Ensure all relevant menu launches are supported with appropriate training on new products.
• Ensure restaurant openings and refurbishment programs are supported with any new products which are required.
• Managing supply relationships with UK and international suppliers, manufacturers and distributors.
• Work with the Supply Chain Manager(s) on the management of all residual stock to ensure this is kept to a minimum.
• Work in close collaboration with Procurement on any tenders taking place in the business.
• Support the sourcing of products for seasonal and events menus, including Easter & Christmas, Valentines, Halloween etc.
• Provide monthly update reporting on sourcing, NPD and quality issues as part of Supply Chain Governance.
• Work in close collaboration with the Supply Chain Manager(s) to ensure there is appropriate route to market options for all new products.
• Maintain accurate documentation and sourcing records.

• Excellent knowledge of food and commodities.
• Experience of sourcing globally.
• Exceptional project management, negotiation and communication skills.
• Strong supplier relationship management skills.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen skills.

• 50% discount for you and up to 3 friends when you dine in our restaurants.
• 30% discount in the wider group restaurants.
• Competitive Industry pay.
• Celebrate career anniversaries, with a gift voucher to dine in our restaurants.
• Career Development and Training, including Apprenticeships.
• Extra holiday allowance for length of service, up to 5 extra days after 5 years.
• Access to discounts on 100s of retailers, health, entertainment, travel & more.

Location: The Ivy Collection Development Kitchen - London (Acton) NW10 6QN.

About us: Our shared CARING values help create an environment where we are happy, and engaged and we care for ourselves, our colleagues, our guests, and we celebrate our individualities and differences.