Food & Beverage Development Manager
Job Description
Job title: Food & Beverage Development Manager
Company:
Job description: The University of Warwick has recently developed a new vision and strategic plan for food, drink and shopping experiences provided to its large and diverse customer base of students, staff and visitors. Delivery starts with the establishment of Warwick Food Group, a department of specialists and operators, passionate about people, planet and good food. Our ultimate goal is to transform our menus, facilities and customer experiences so that more people can benefit from a fresh take on food that nourishes body and mind. We’ll be developing new and exciting propositions that will appeal to everyone. The University of Warwick attracts people from the around the world, including the UK, by its teaching standards, world-class research, innovative thinking and dynamic campus environment.
It’s an exciting time to join us! We’re expanding the Warwick Food Group management team to deliver our vision and build our reputation. A number of new roles will enable the team to accelerate delivery of its plans.
The role of Food & Beverage Development Manager will be critical to the team’s success.
In this role you’ll be responsible for developing policies, guidelines and toolkits setting out the operating standards for university-operated foodservice and retail outlets.
You’ll be a champion of operational best practice across the University’s food and retail operations, working collaboratively to develop efficient and effective processes that support the growth and profitability of the Warwick Food Group.
It’s also critical in ensuring full compliance with UK food legislation and in ensuring the appropriate management of risk, working closely with the university’s Health & Safety team.
You’ll lead the selection, development and implementation of new systems that support excellent operational delivery and pursue opportunities to use technology that enhances customer and staff experience.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Enabling operational delivery: Responsible for the development, implementation, monitoring and continuous improvement of operational frameworks, toolkits and controls that enable operations teams to provide product and experiences with excellence and confidence.
Systems development: You’ll input into and influence the development of new operating systems and platforms, covering areas such as labour management, food allergens management, till (EPOS) solutions, stock management and food safety. You’ll lead the implementation of these systems and the ongoing monitoring, training and development as determined by business needs.
Managing risk: By setting out common standard operating procedures, you’ll help to mitigate risk inherent in food and retail operations. From the sale of alcohol to the appropriate use of chemicals, you’ll work with Health & Safety colleagues to produce actionable documentation that clearly articulates the risks involved
Financial: Responsible for developing processes that improve the profitability and efficiency of our operations, seeking opportunities to manage costs more effectively and to streamline processes. You’ll do this whilst growing Warwick Food Group’s reputation for exceptional service to students, staff, visitors and the community.
Collaborative Working and Sharing Best Practice: You’ll work collaboratively with others in the Warwick Food Group, from product development to sourcing and operational delivery. You’ll be the conduit and enabler between the creation of propositions and the execution of those propositions across all outlets operated by Warwick Food Group.
Essential Requirements:
- Educated to Degree Level or Equivalent experience
- Level 3 Food Safety or above
- Management of multi-site food and beverage operations
- Process mapping current and future processes, and ability to positively implement changes to business process
- Experience in Planning, developing and delivering new initiatives, frameworks and standards in a foodservice environment
- In-depth understanding of current and future legislation impacting the UK foodservice and retail industries, and emerging trends in those sectors
- Demonstrable knowledge of food safety management systems, HACCP controls and processes, and COSHH regulations
- Understanding of Profit & Loss statements and key drivers of revenue, gross margin and fixed/variable operating costs in a foodservice or retail context
- A working knowledge of workforce planning principles and labour management systems
- High level of commercial acumen, numeracy and analytical skills
- Time management, planning, prioritisation and organisational skills, with tenacity and the ability to work under pressure on competing projects and business activities
- Creative thinking alongside pragmatic problem-solving
- Excellent IT skills including Office 365 software packages
So, if you’re looking to play a part in our exciting plans, and you’re passionate about good honest food with conscience and purpose, this is an opportunity not to be missed.
If you’d like to find out more information or to arrange an informal conversation about the role, please contact:
Interviews to be held 20th/21st February
Full details of the duties and selection criteria for this role can be found in the vacancy advert on the University of Warwick’s jobs pages. You will be routed to this when you click on the Apply button.
Expected salary: £33966 – 44263 per year
Location: Coventry
