At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation of exciting seasonal menus and innovative food concepts.
- Company: Wells & Co., a people-first pub company in Bedfordshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, 25 days leave, private healthcare, and discounts.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and community.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food offerings and make a real impact on guest experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in food development and strong commercial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 £ per year.
Food Development Lead - Wells & Co. - Bedford, Bedfordshire Company Description Do you love creating great food that keeps guests coming back for more?
We're looking for a commercially minded Food & Menu 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.
Our pubs are across the Northern Home Counties so you will need to live with daily commutable distance of Bedfordshire.
- Position
- 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.
Requirements 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 Salary £55,000 - £60,000 Car allowance 25 days annual leave bank holidays Private medical health care Group personal pension plan.
Life assurance 30% off dining and 30% retail shop 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, driving performance 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.41bf1e1f-b16b-4260-a40a-17c77a06fd15
Food Development Lead - Wells & Co. - Bedford, Bedfordshire employer: Wells & Co.
Well Pharmacy is an excellent employer that prioritises a supportive and inclusive work culture, making it an ideal place for both Trainee and Qualified Pharmacy Assistants to thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer comprehensive training and flexible working options, ensuring that our team members can balance their professional and personal lives while contributing to the health and wellbeing of our communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Development Lead - Wells & Co. - Bedford, Bedfordshire
✨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 Wells & Co.. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Wells & Co.
Don't be shy about reaching out to Wells & Co. 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 Food Development Lead - Wells & Co. - Bedford, Bedfordshire
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 Wells & Co. 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 Wells & Co.
✨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!
