Product Development & Supply Chain Manager in London

SSP is a global leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations employing 49,000 colleagues in around 3,000 units across nearly 40 countries. We specialise in designing, creating and operating a diverse range of food and drink outlets in airports, train stations and other travel hubs. In the UK and Ireland, we operate over 450 sit-down and quick service restaurants, bars, cafés, lounges, and food-led convenience stores at around 170 locations. Our extensive portfolio of own brands, such as Upper Crust, AMT Coffee and Millie’s Cookies, and award-winning brands like Shelby, a FAB Award winner, and franchise brands including M&S Food, Starbucks and Burger King, is complemented by a growing range of premium bars and casual dining options to meet the diverse needs of our clients and customers. Our purpose is to be the best part of the journey, and our focus is on making every journey taste better – bringing great food and welcoming hospitality to travellers across the globe. Sustainability is crucial for our long-term success, and we aim to deliver positive impact for our business while uniting stakeholders to promote a sustainable food travel sector.

Rail Gourmet (RG) is a proud part of SSP and we are a leading provider of food, beverage and specialist solutions to the train industry, offering a one stop shop solution – from logistics and supply chain; concept, marketing and retail, to menu and product, technology and on-board service. We are contracted to operate the on board catering on TransPennine Express (TPE) trains, which was expanded throughout 2025 and now includes dedicated First Class and Retail Hosts. RG has a team of approximately 250 people based across the route and is committed to providing a high quality of service consistently, to meet the expectations of TPE with improved customer satisfaction and the maximisation of retail sales being key.

This is a pivotal role which has responsibility for fully liaising with TPE regarding the on board product offer, for both the First Class menus and the Retail tariff. The role will robustly ensure that all the required supply chain processes are in place for the RG service centres across the route. Furthermore, it also takes the lead in liaising with TPE and the RG teams to ensure that on board product quantities are at the required levels to meet expected customer demands.

ROLE SUMMARY

RG has an exciting opportunity for a Product Development and Supply Chain Manager working on the TPE (TransPennine Express) account. The primary responsibilities of this role are:

• Manage a portfolio of suppliers (including bespoke TPE route specific) and product lines
• Manage the product development process for the route
• Regular liaison with the client to ensure that their requirements are clearly understood and then delivered
• Work with RG Heston to ensure that product presentations are delivered within the required timescales
• Ensure consistent quality of products to specifications and manage any agreed stock level commitments
• Manage the day-to-day supply chain and find product solutions quickly to overcome any issues, thus minimising the impact to the client and the RG business
• Directly manage the Service Centre Team Leaders with regards to orders and stock levels, via regular meetings and updates, on the lead up to a new menu or Retail Launch
• Compile staff briefs for both the On Board and Service Centres teams at each new menu and/or Retail tariff change
• Liaise with TPE to firstly agree stock levels for each train and then ensure that these are communicated throughout the RG team as necessary
• Manage the on-line system for storing product information
• Arrange product presentations and showcases around the TPE route as necessary
• Compile reports, generate data/statistics along with benchmarking and pricing exercises when required
• Liaise with the wider product development/supply chain/purchasing RG teams to ensure best practice
• Liaise with the RG service centres on a weekly basis to ensure the integrity of the supply chain is maintained
• Undertake ad hoc duties and projects as and when required

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Key Account Manager, the successful candidate will be required to manage a portfolio of suppliers and products to ensure a high level of product innovation along with product availability at all times. Being based at Manchester, the role will require strong customer facing skills both external and internal. The key objectives are to work with TPE (Hospitality Lead/Delivery Manager/Insight Manager being the three main points of contact) as well as the RG operational team, to develop the menus and tariffs, thus ensuring that the on board catering offer is at the leading edge of customer service.

Sourcing new products for selection and ensuring efficient and cost effective security of the supply chain thereafter so good supplier management skills will also be a key requirement for the successful candidate. Naturally, TPE are very keen to ensure that local suppliers and SMEs are used across the route wherever possible, however it is essential that the supply chain is acceptable and workable for all.

To ensure consistency and standards are maintained throughout, you will work predominantly alongside the following RG personnel within the TPE account:

• Service Centre Managers and Team Leaders
• On Board Standards Manager
• Operations Manager
• Operations Administrator

Furthermore, communication is essential throughout, especially at menu and tariff changeovers, to ensure that both the On Board Customer Hosts and Service Centre Customer Service Assistants are fully aware of product expectations in terms of storage, handling, delivery and customer presentation.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

We are seeking an enthusiastic customer focused, commercially aware, high calibre candidate with excellent negotiation and strong analytical skills. Previous experience in a purchasing, product development or supply chain environment is preferable however not essential.

Essential:

• Enthusiastic with a ‘can do’ attitude
• Excellent communication skills (verbally and written), with interpersonal skills to be comfortable working with colleagues at all levels
• High focus on quality
• Personable and presentable as regularly dealing with the client
• Ability to work under pressure
• Problem solving and analytical skills
• Willingness to travel across the route and beyond as required

Desirable:

• Management experience, preferably in a food orientated environment
• Previous experience of purchasing, product development or supply chain environments
• Results orientated/able to meet deadlines
• Credible leader and natural motivator
• Professional
• Excellent planning and organisational skills
• Retail Industry Experience