Product Manager

itsu; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Asian-inspired quick-service brand is seeking a Product Manager to oversee food development, ensuring high standards and innovation for a diverse menu. The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 3-4 years of experience in the food industry. Responsibilities include leading food innovation, implementing health strategies, and closely collaborating with multiple teams to align product launches with consumer trends. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a mission of making healthy food accessible to everyone.

Qualifications

• 3-4 years of experience in food industry, preferably in retail or restaurant.
• Familiarity with cold and hot menu development.
• Willingness to be hands-on and work at pace.

Responsibilities

• Lead food innovation and ensure product quality standards.
• Implement health and nutrition strategies in new innovations.
• Collaborate with multiple departments for product development.

Skills

Food quality control processes

Strong communication skills

Analytical mindset

Organisational skills

Creative mindset

Passion for Asian inspired food

Education

Bachelor's degree in food science or related field

Job description

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

Responsibilities

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 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.

• 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

Qualifications

• 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.