London đ | hybrid 3 days a week
at wagamama, food is life đ„ą and weâre here to make every bite count. with over 165 restaurants across the UK (and growing fast) weâve been dishing up vibrant, fresh asian inspired flavours since â92. itâs all about good food, good vibes, and good company đđ„
were looking for a head of food and beverage to join us on our journey đ± ready to dive in and stir things up?
what were looking for |
this role is responsible for our exciting menu + product range, including the development and launch of all food + drink. a solid leader for the food team, this role takes a lead from and directly influences the executive team, and is instrumental in shaping the strategy and tactical execution of food + drink development for successful launch into our restaurants. this role is a 12 month fixed term contract
what you'll do |
* plan and manage the full menu development programme, including milestones, interdependencies, and critical paths + rollouts end to end
* lead the full food development agenda, overseeing and develop the strategic direction of the product range to ensure it exceeds competitors on range, innovation, quality, and value
* partner with the insights team and development chefs to ensure all food development briefs are grounded in guest needs and consider market trends
* ensure all menu additions and removals align with brand pledges, sourcing policies, and standards
* develop, cost, and price new dishes to ensure they meet required gp targets
* manage the menu process managerâs + menu + recipe manager's delivery of tasks within the menu process, escalating issues where necessary
* carry out supplier visits to explore npd opportunities and build a bank of futureâready products
* brief suppliers on food development briefs to secure marketâleading innovation.
* communicate pipeline innovation clearly and consistently across the business to ensure alignment and compliance
* lead the monthly exec food innovation sessions, including agenda setting, documentation, and followâup
* act as the organisational conscience of menu development, ensuring all parties remain aligned, informed, and on track
what you'll need |
* an organised mind | must be a natural orchestrator with high attention to detail and feel at ease with timelines, project plans and the general administration of what can be a challengingly complex process
* strong leadership skills | the role is fundamental to ensuring successful, innovation driving launches in our restaurants and therefore is looked upon as a leader from various people in the business
* an insatiable curiosity around and passion for food that gives you great empathy with our chefs
* relationship builder who naturally puts themselves in the shoes of others and influences through energy, giving them an ability to get the best out of a wider number of people with very different styles
* competent in the use of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and a willingness to be upskilled to use Adobe Indesign for specs etc.
* a well-rounded understanding of the food business, working within the industry for a number of years with relevant experience
* to be educated to degree level or equivalent senior leadership experience
* food specific, leadership management or project management qualifications are advantageous but not essential
whatâs in it for you |
* a great competitive salary
* hybrid working
* come as you are culture, with modern offices, fresh fruit and soft drinks
* ÂŁ200 monthly wagamama food allowance â enjoy all your favourite dishes on us!
* private healthcare
* 3% pension contribution
* 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
* + further discounts across retail, hospitality & leisure â perks that make life sweeter
* supporting you every step of the way! family-friendly pay: 26 weeks full pay + 13 weeks half pay for expectant or adopting parents
nothing brings people together like great food. no matter where youâre from or who you are, youâve got a seat at our table | because food is the ultimate connector, and here everyone belongs