Food Director
Play a central role in driving the strategic, commercial and operational success of our food offering across the UK and Ireland. Report directly to the Executive Leadership Team to provide consumer, market and category insight that informs decision making and aligns our food strategy with broader business and brand priorities.
Main Responsibilities
* Strategic Thinker: Translate consumer insight, category trends and commercial priorities into clear food strategy and actionable development plans.
* Customer Centric Leader: Build strong, trusted relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers and culinary teams, confidently representing the food vision in high‑stakes discussions.
* Commercially Astute: Understand P&L drivers, cost structures, pricing and margin management, identifying growth opportunities and optimising commercial performance.
* Strong Operational & Programme Leader: Oversee complex food development, innovation and operational programmes, ensuring quality, consistency and delivery excellence across multiple sites or channels.
* Collaborative Influencer: Work seamlessly with operations, supply chain, marketing, procurement and culinary teams to deliver cohesive, high‑impact food propositions.
* Calm Under Pressure: Thrive in fast‑paced environments, navigating operational challenges and market shifts with resilience, clarity and sound judgement.
* Team Developer: Mentor chefs, managers and food development teams, fostering a culture of creativity, accountability and continuous improvement.
* Excellent Communicator: Articulate, persuasive and confident in presenting concepts, leading tastings, influencing senior stakeholders and simplifying complexity across the organisation.
* Proactive & Innovation Focused: Naturally curious, always scanning the market for emerging trends, new techniques and opportunities to elevate the food offer and strengthen competitive advantages, fostering capability, collaboration and continuous improvement across the client service function.
Ideal Candidate
* Senior Food Leadership: Extensive experience in food, hospitality or retail, with a strong record in shaping food strategy and elevating product quality.
* Commercially Sharp: Combines strong commercial awareness with deep understanding of consumer behaviour, category trends and competitive dynamics.
* Operationally Strong: Confident leading large‑scale food operations, translating complex culinary, operational and commercial data into clear, actionable direction.
* Influential Communicator: Builds trust quickly, manages senior stakeholders effectively and collaborates seamlessly across operations, supply chain, marketing and finance.
* Cross‑Functional Leader: Comfortable driving innovation, optimisation and large‑scale food initiatives, aligning chefs, suppliers and operational teams behind shared goals.
* Quality Driven: Thrives in environments where consistency, customer experience and high standards are essential, bringing clarity, creativity and sound judgement to every challenge.
Package Description
Competitive salary, bonus, car allowance and a comprehensive benefits package.
* Sodexo retirement plan
* Discounts to over 1,900 brands for online shopping
* Gym discount to support a healthy lifestyle
* 24/7 confidential employee assistance programme offering independent support, emotional, legal and financial advice
About the Company
Sodexo is the global leader in services that improve quality of life, operating in 55 countries and serving over 100 million consumers daily through on‑site food, facilities management, benefits & rewards and personal & home services.
We are an inclusive workplace that values diversity and welcomes applications from underrepresented backgrounds. We are a Disability Confident Leader employer, committed to changing attitudes towards disability and providing a support interview scheme for eligible candidates.
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