At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the food and drink strategy, menu development, and team management at Megan's.
- Company: Join a vibrant neighbourhood restaurant known for good vibes and delicious food.
- Benefits: Enjoy 50% off dining, competitive salary, and growth opportunities in a fast-expanding group.
- Other info: Ongoing training and real progression opportunities await you!
- Why this job: Shape memorable dining experiences and work with a passionate team in a dog-friendly environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in food & beverage strategy and a love for quality dining.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
We're on a mission to be the nation's most-loved neighbourhood restaurant. Think sunshine-filled food, seriously good vibes, a team that's got each other's backs, and there's always a dog snoozing under someone's table. At Megan's, food and drink are at the heart of everything we do. From brunches that feel like holidays to dinners that turn into long, laughter-filled evenings, our menus set the tone for the whole experience. We're now looking for a Head of Food & Beverage to help shape what that looks like on the plate and in the glass. This is a senior, influential role where you'll set the direction for our food and drink proposition, lead a brilliant F&B team, and make sure everything we serve is guest-led, on brand, commercially strong and operationally spot on.
What you'll be doing
- Setting the vision: With direction from our Founder and Managing Director, you'll define the long-term food and drink strategy for Megan's. Translate big-picture thinking into clear priorities for menu development, trials, launches and continuous improvement. Act as the senior decision-maker on all things food & drink - balancing brand, guest experience, operational reality and commercial performance. Work closely with Operations, Marketing, Finance, Supply Chain and the wider Support Office to make sure everything lands smoothly (and brilliantly).
- Menu development & commercial performance: Set the strategic framework for menu evolution, informed by data, guest insight, competitor activity and market trends. Provide clear direction to the Development Chef and F&B Manager on concepts, priorities and performance expectations. Own menu engineering at a senior level, pricing strategy, sales mix and contribution margin - working closely with Marketing on structure and storytelling. Ensure menus hit agreed margins, cost of sales and labour targets, while still driving sales growth across all day parts. Present clear, high-level menu performance insight and recommendations to senior leadership.
- Trials, launches & landing it in site: Own the end-to-end approach to trials and launches. From planning and testing through to rollout. Set clear success criteria and make confident calls on what progresses, what improves and what stops. Ensure tight cross-functional coordination ahead of launches, so sites feel prepared, not panicked. Stay accountable after launch - reviewing performance, resolving issues and driving continuous improvement. Make sure guest feedback and data actually turns into action.
- Supply chain, procurement & cost control: Provide senior oversight of supplier relationships and food & drink supply chain performance. Spot pricing, availability and quality risks early and deal with them decisively. Lead the strategic approach to procurement, partnering with Finance on major tenders and commercial decisions. Own food and drink cost performance, retros and margin delivery, escalating risks before they become problems.
- Leadership, governance & standards: Lead, develop and inspire the Food & Beverage team, setting clear objectives and high performance standards. Ensure menu changes are supported by clear, effective training that enables consistent delivery in site. Work closely with Operations and the People team to align training content, messaging and execution. Maintain robust oversight of food safety, allergens, nutrition and wider Health & Safety considerations - baked into every stage of menu development and launch.
What we're looking for
- Proven experience leading food & beverage strategy and menu development in a multi-site hospitality or casual dining business.
- Strong commercial and operational judgement, with confidence using data, systems and insight to make smart decisions.
- A genuine love of food and drink, with a sharp eye on trends, quality and guest expectations.
- A collaborative leader who can set direction, challenge thinking and bring teams with them.
Why join Megan's?
- Be part of a team that lives by our values: Team Player, Results Driven, Adaptable, Grit.
- Growth opportunities in a fast-expanding restaurant group.
- Plenty of upskilling opportunities through our apprenticeship programs.
- Dog friendly office and restaurants – please bring your fluffy four-legged friends to work!
- Competitive salary, perks & the chance to grow with one of the most exciting hospitality brands in London.
Perks & Treats
- 50% off when you dine with your favourite people.
- Plenty of fun, feel-good team socials.
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme – free, confidential support 24/7 including mental health sessions.
- Early access to wages through Stream.
- Long service awards and celebrations – think fancy meals out and relaxing weekends away.
- Free, delicious Megan's food & drinks for lunch every day.
- Plus all the usual standard stuff like pension contributions & 28 days holiday.
Grow With Us
- Ongoing training & real progression opportunities – if you want to grow professionally, we'll back you through fully funded programmes.
- Get involved in new openings as we grow.
- If you love food, care deeply about quality and detail, and get a genuine buzz from turning great ideas into menus that work across our 21 (and growing) sites – this one's for you.
Head of Food & Beverage employer: Job Search Place Limited
Megan's is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and supportive work culture, where team members are encouraged to thrive and grow within a fast-expanding restaurant group. With a focus on collaboration, creativity, and a genuine love for food and drink, employees enjoy numerous benefits including competitive salaries, extensive training opportunities, and a dog-friendly environment that makes every day feel rewarding. Join us to be part of a team that values adaptability, results, and camaraderie while shaping memorable dining experiences across London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Food & Beverage
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Job Search Place Limited. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Job Search Place Limited
Don't be shy about reaching out to Job Search Place Limited directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Food & Beverage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Job Search Place Limited and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
