Sr. Manager, Culinary & Innovation – United Kingdom
Region/Location: London HQ Office
Ready to make your mark at the world's leading sandwich brand?
Why Join Subway?
At Subway, we're building something significant. Our mission is clear — to grow franchisee profitability, brand relevance, and long-term value — and our corporate teams sit at the heart of making that happen.
We're a business that believes in meritocracy. Results open doors here, and the people who thrive are those who bring accountability, strategic thinking, and a genuine drive to create long-term impact. You'll be empowered to think and act like an owner — because that's exactly what we need from our people.
We move with pace and purpose. We adapt quickly, focus innovation where it counts, and aren't afraid to make bold decisions. Alongside that, integrity is non-negotiable — we hold ourselves to the highest standards in how we work, how we lead, and how we treat one another.
And while we take our work seriously, we also know that the best results come from teams who celebrate progress, support each other, and bring real energy to what they do.
About the role:
We are searching for a Sr. Manager Culinary & Innovation to support our EMEA team.
The Sr. Manager of Culinary Innovation leads and executes the brand's menu & product strategy, collaborating cross functionally, developing and commercializing new and improved products and processes across Europe. The role is responsible for delivering innovation projects across the EMEA region of Subway, working with the Marketing team and supporting the Director of Culinary & Innovation to build a strong portfolio and pipeline of products that supports the Subway growth strategy.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
* Project lead on product improvements, formulation changes or enhancements, and cost improvement initiatives, including complete product evaluations and associated refinements with all supporting documentation. Leads menu engineering and core menu initiatives. Demonstrates proficiency in planning, development and execution of all the core services of culinary such as recipe development, packaging development, performance and yield testing, food trend research/application. Partners with key departments such as operations to refine the product proposition through the commercialization process. Works closely with QA on commercialization and spec revisions. Partners with Finance and Analytics to understand cost modelling and target setting for all product launches and associated campaign/AOP targets.
* Maintains awareness of industry trends. Collaborates with Purchasing on the sourcing of new ingredients and products, taking the lead on product specs and evaluations. Assists Purchasing & Food Safety/Quality with quality assurance investigations, researching new vendors, and develops new vendor relationships for products, equipment, and small wares. Partnering with the sourcing team to select suppliers and manufacturers that are capable of meeting product quality and product specifications in the most cost-effective manner. Analyses all ingredients/recipes to ensure compliance with all menus labelling global brand and legislative standards.
* Partners with marketing in the menu innovation process and displays ability to develop ideas from concepts stage to EMEA wide implementation following the new product development process. Develops and presents to Subway leadership and Franchise partners new beverage & food items, new menu platforms, limited time offers, catering and delivery innovation supported by a compelling business case. Identifies gaps with the current product offering and ideates solutions to fill customer needs and drive incremental growth for the business.
* Supports culinary agenda setting, prioritization, and resource allocation, balancing short and long-term needs and priorities. Develops understanding of and ability to translate food trends into innovative opportunities that deliver growth for Subway. Collaborates with others on the development and evolution of the menu strategy, and the development of strategies and innovation platforms for value and core menu innovation.
Skills & Abilities:
* Strong knowledge of industry and flavor trends
* Knowledge of food products and commercialization, including quality assurance, supplier manufacturing and processes
* Knowledge of food safety and HACCP principles
* Unquestioned integrity and open-mindedness
* Flexibility and adaptability
* Clear, concise communication skills, both written and verbal, and excellent presentation skills
* Excellent understanding of the product development process and innovation stage gate principles
* Strong knowledge of the interaction between culinary art, food science and nutrition
* Strong knowledge of sensory and consumer research methodologies
* Experience with packaged food safety and government regulatory requirements
* People leadership skills and the ability to manage, mentor and develop others
Additional requirements:
* A bachelor's degree in business, commercial, food, hospitality, or a related field is preferred.
* 5 to 8 years' experience in food research and development with at least 3 years' experience in quick service restaurants or grab & go
* Highly commercial with strong business / financial acumen, market awareness
* Technical Proficiencies: Software (Microsoft Office Suite programs: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
* Ownership mindset with accountability for results
* Strategic, commercial, and impact‐focused
* Agile, decisive, and comfortable with change
* High integrity and strong collaboration skills
* Driven to deliver long‐term value
What benefits will I receive?
* Competitive paid time off to rest, reset, and recharge
* Reimbursements of various insurance plans
* Performance based rewards and recognition - results truly matter here
* Paid company holidays
* Ongoing learning opportunities, training programs, and tools to support continuous growth
* Office activities, team events, and celebrations that foster connection, collaboration, and energy at work