Product Manager

itsu; England; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Asian-inspired food company is seeking a Product Manager to oversee food development within a varied portfolio including menu items and snacks. The ideal candidate should have a degree in food science or a similar field and relevant experience in the food industry, particularly within retail. Responsibilities include leading food innovation, ensuring quality standards, and collaborating cross-functionally to deliver on health strategies. This role emphasizes a creative and analytical approach to maintain high standards of food excellence.

Qualifications

• 3-4 years of experience in a similar role within the food industry, preferably in retail.
• Knowledge of food quality control processes and regulations.
• Ability to assess menus and identify enhancement areas.

Responsibilities

• Lead food innovation and ensure product quality.
• Develop health-focused strategies for new products.
• Collaborate with departments for menu delivery.
• Schedule and manage food development projects.

Skills

Food development

Health & nutrition strategy

Project management

Strong communication skills

Analytical mindset

Organisational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in food science, nutrition, culinary arts, or related field

Job description

this is itsu

We are the leading Asian-inspired quick-service retail and grocery brand with over 80 restaurants across the UK and Belgium, and a growing wholesale business across Europe and beyond. Our renowned delicious food made fresh in every restaurant, every day, has made itsu a top choice for healthy eating.

In addition to our restaurants, itsu [grocery] offers a range of high-quality Asian-inspired foods available online and in supermarkets. We are excited to be one of the leading brands in this specific group and have ambitious plans for continued growth both domestically and globally.

With its best-in-class-food, latest technology, innovation, and talented workforce, itsu is the future of fast food.

this is the job

As the Product Manager at itsu, you will report to the Food Director and will be responsible for overseeing food development for your designated portfolio within itsu [retail]. This may include cold & hot menu, drinks and snacks. You will play a pivotal role in maintaining itsu's high standards of food excellence, ensuring that our products meet our customers’ expectations, commercial aspirations, and our mission to make healthy, affordable healthy food accessible to everyone. You will be responsible for generating and implementing new ideas, developing control processes, benchmarking itsu against its competitors and current trends. You will collaborate closely with the Commercial Operations and Food development team, Safety, Marketing, Finance and Operational teams.

skills and responsibility overview

Food development:

Lead the food innovation for itsu retail, ensuring new & existing product meet quality standards, commercial targets & customer expectations

Health & nutrition strategy:

Ensure health[ier] strategy is embedded in all new innovation and work to improve existing products to deliver against our nutrition goals.

Menu strategy:

Work with marketing, commercial, supply chain & itsu grocery team to set out clear development plans to deliver against our commercial and customer calendars

Menu delivery:

work with the commercial ops, supply chain, safety and marketing departments to ensure all launches are delivered through the agreed processes to agreed timings.

Project management:

Working alongside the commercial operations teams ensure that all projects are scheduled and delivered as part of the food development calendar

this is you

• A bachelor's degree or higher in food science, nutrition, culinary arts, or a related field would be beneficial.
• Proven experience in a similar role within the food industry of 3-4 years, preferably in a retail or restaurant setting.
• Working knowledge of food quality control processes, regulations, and industry standards.
• Familiarity with cold and hot menu development, drinks, snacks, and dessert.
• A real foodie with a passion for Asian inspired food.
• A curious and creative mindset.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills to implement control processes and improvements.
• Analytical mindset to assess current menus and identify areas for enhancement.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with various departments.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high-quality standards.
• Ability to stay updated with industry trends and emerging technologies.
• Willingness to be hands-on and comfortable working at pace.

you put people at the heart of everything you do by displaying the 4 itsu qualities:

• I take pride [in what I do]
• I genuinely care [for people]
• I want to grow [myself & others]
• I build trust [around me]