Do you love creating great food that keeps guests coming back for more?
We're looking for a commercially minded Food Development Lead to shape and evolve our food offer across our managed pub estate. This is an exciting opportunity to combine culinary creativity with commercial thinking, developing menus that delight guests, drive profitability and can be delivered consistently across multiple sites.
Working closely with Operations, Procurement, Marketing and supplier partners, you'll lead the development of seasonal menus, new product launches and continuous menu improvements, ensuring our food offer remains relevant, competitive and operationally executable.
Although a field-based role, our pubs are across the Northern Home Counties so you will need to live with daily commutable distance.
Key Accountabilities:
- Leading the creation and delivery of seasonal menu launches and new food concepts.
- Identifying food trends, consumer insights and market opportunities to keep our offer fresh and competitive.
- Using sales data, guest feedback and operational insight to improve menu performance, drive food sales and maximise margin.
- Managing product development from concept through to launch, including tastings, trials and operational testing.
- Developing recipes, specifications, costings and allergen information with accuracy and compliance at the forefront.
- Working closely with suppliers to deliver innovation, maintain quality standards and manage cost pressures.
- Supporting operational efficiency through practical menu design and kitchen-focused solutions.
- Acting as the business's food and menu development expert, partnering with Operations, Procurement, Finance, Marketing and Training teams.
We're looking for someone who combines a passion for food with strong commercial acumen and a practical understanding of multi-site hospitality operations. Ideally you will have:
- Experience in food development, menu development or product innovation within hospitality or foodservice.
- Strong knowledge of food costs, margins, menu engineering and commercial performance.
- Experience delivering successful menu launches across multiple locations.
- Supplier management experience with a track record of building effective partnerships.
- A solid understanding of recipe costing, allergen management and menu data systems.
- Strong analytical, project management and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience within a managed pub, restaurant or wider multi-site hospitality business would be highly advantageous.
Other information:
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Private medical health care
- Life assurance
- 30% off dining and 30% retail shop
Why Us?
Why Us? This is a chance to play a key role in shaping the future of our food proposition. You'll have the freedom to bring new ideas to life, influence menu strategy across the estate and make a tangible impact on guest experience, sales and profitability. If you're passionate about creating great food, spotting trends, and bringing innovative ideas from concept to plate, we'd love to hear from you.
We are a people-first business - Our pubs bring people together, and we believe our teams should reflect the communities we serve. We want everyone to feel welcome, valued, and able to be themselves at work. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people are treated with respect and given equal opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background, experiences, or identity. Whether it's your first role in hospitality or your next career move, if you've got a positive attitude and a passion for looking after people, we'd love to hear from you.
If you need any adjustments or additional support during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply.
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Food Development Lead in England employer: Wells and Co.
Wells and Co. offers an exceptional work environment at The Bear in Rugby, where you can thrive as a Hospitality Leader in a vibrant community pub setting. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits, and a culture that values teamwork and guest satisfaction, this role provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the lively atmosphere of Bilton village. Join us to lead a passionate team and elevate the pub experience for our guests.
