Job Purpose
The Head of Food is responsible for the product range and the development and launch of all new products. Providing leadership for the Food team, this role takes a direct lead from and directly influences the Board and is instrumental in shaping the strategy and tactical execution of food development. The person is a role-model, ensuring the very best brand standards of food for its customers and its people. The role manages and supports the Food Team to achieve high quality and to innovative food on a planned basis. The Head of Food will support the Brand Director in the planning, execution and management of food and marketing strategy. Additionally, this role will engage with other functional heads and external suppliers in ensuring that the food development and launch plans are correctly managed.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Oversee and develop the strategic direction of the product range to ensure that it exceeds the offering of its direct competitors in terms of range, innovation and quality within a competitive pricing framework
- Review existing and new product performance on a weekly and monthly basis based on GP ranking data and amend the range as appropriate
- Develop, cost and price new products for in-house production and 3rd party supply
- Communicate, deliver and implement smooth product launches according to the yearly plan
- Create, communicate and deliver a well-thought-through, structured and realistic Food strategy
- Identify new product opportunities that deliver a financial upside to the business
- Analyse, interpret and communicate financial and commercial information on a regular basis to assist in the evaluation of product performance and possible improvement opportunities
- Maintain competitor awareness and communicate this to the Executive Team/Board as necessary
- Intentionally aim for the highest standards of product quality
- Support and drive launch of new products throughout the business and encourage retail teams to develop product knowledge
- Manage a team as efficiently and effectively as possible by always looking for simpler, smarter ways of doing things
- Lead, direct, organise and motivate the team responsible for food development, making sure that they are fairly recognised and rewarded
- Ensure that the team have every opportunity to learn, develop and progress providing appropriate and structure training in order that people are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their roles with confidence and progress in their careers
- Plan and ensure that the team have the correct compliment and combination of skills
- Appraise and recognise the contribution from the food team at least on an annual basis and agree short term and long-term goals for each role that supports the business plan
- Constantly recognise and reward great performance, celebrate success and emphasise the personal touch to all you encounter
- Attend training courses/meetings when required
- Undertake such duties as may reasonably be required by the Managing Director/Board