Head of Food and Purchasing (Candidate MUST have 3-5 yrs min exp & fit criterias to be considered)

1.         The Role: Overall Purpose (Adding Value to the company)

           

To support the achievement of the food plan, product plans and commercial budget, by working closely with the Food Consultant.

 

This will involve specific responsibility for effective sourcing of products to meet quality, image, availability and cost requirements through the effective and ongoing management of the supplier base.   

 

Involvement with product development and the quality of food at the company. To generate food ideas working with the Food Consultant.

 

To assist the Food Consultant evaluate the product range in shops, making recommendations for change where appropriate.

 

2.         Scope of Role

           

Responsible for sourcing and product costings of specified non-food and food product areas to meet product plans and budget requirements.

 

The role will also include a wider commercial responsibility to maximize the sales and profit from specified product areas.

 

This person generates ideas for the company's product and works with the culinary team, particularly the Development Chef to translate these ideas into recipes and food products.

 

This person works with the Food consultant to ensure the company's food exceeds customer expectations and stays ahead of the competition.

 

The role requires leading and developing the company product with responsibility for the development of products and ingredients to meet the company's requirements both now and in the future.

 

This role is a guardian of the company's product, helping to ensure incoming products and ingredients match agreed quality and specifications through close contact with suppliers and ingredient and product development.

 

 

3.         Core Responsibilities

 

                                                                                                           

 Supplier Management

 To be the company's 'account manager' of the supplier and to provide overall management of the relationshipTo hold regular review meetings with key suppliers to ensure that all aspects of the supplier’s relationship with the company meets the standards required (covering commercial/logistics/technical/NPD)      To identify, select and develop suppliers who are able to meet the company’s current and future needs To manage the supply base to ensure that any potential risks to the supply of products are identified and that contingencies are put into effect to minimize those risksIn conjunction with the logistics and supply chain team constantly seek out opportunities for improvement in efficiency within the supply base that will result in obtaining and delivering fresher food to the shops To support logistics colleagues in ensuring suppliers meet availability requirements. This requires the management of existing suppliers and ensuring that new suppliers have effective logistic plans in place to meet the company's requirements. To support Food and Technical teams by managing suppliers quality issues as required.

 

 

 

 Negotiations

 To negotiate costs with suppliers that will meet budget, deliver the best financial deal for the company, while achieving a sustainable relationship with the supplier.To constantly work with suppliers to search for efficiencies (eg in packaging/logistics ingredients /volume growth etc) that will improve the company''s cost of food.To proactively monitor cost prices that the company pays and to regularly benchmark these to ensure the company’s prices are competitiveTo keep abreast of market changes that could impact on costs and future strategic purchasing eg commodity buying of cheese, eggs etcTo negotiate overiders/rebates with relevant suppliers and to ensure that records are updated and monies invoiced quarterly or annually (dependent on individual agreements)

 

 

  Planning

 

 

 PlanningTo contribute towards the creation of the annual commercial plans. This will include product plans, supplier strategy document and budget.To plan purchasing activity in line with product plans and supplier strategy, and specifically to ensure delivery of the launch schedule and target cost of goods

·         To contribute towards the creation of the annual Commercial Plan, and in particular the Food Plan

·         To drive food development at the company both internally and working closely with our suppliers in line with the Commercial Plan and Commercial guidelines.

·         To work within the company guidelines for the process of food development.Food Concepts / Development

·         To generate ideas for the company's product with the Food team especially the Development Chef to translate these ideas into recipes and company products

·         To implement and work on suggested changes from the Commercial Director and External Food Consultants (as well as Commercial team colleagues and suppliers as appropriate)

·         To suggest further food changes both internally and working closely with our suppliers to meet / exceed the company’s needs.

·         To work closely with the Development Chef to interpret ideas to make them real for the company (the way we make, serve and sell food)Food Development Process

·         To work with the Food Consultant to deliver the Food Plan. 

·         To help establish standards for, and oversee, the process for putting approved food and methods of food preparation into production both at the company and working closely with our suppliers

·         To help ensure periodic Food meetings achieve a robust and healthy approval process (avoiding insularity and keeping true to the company's principles and standards)

·         To review key supplier production methods as necessary

·         To highlight any required changes to Shop equipment and / or the Company's operating practices that are required from a food perspectiveRange ManagementTo assist the Food Consultant in the evaluation the range of products at the company including consideration of criteria such as goods, packaging, waste, labour and sales volumes.To make range recommendations based on product performance and market trends against plans To ensure strategic fit of the products in the current range

·         To be aware of competitor activity in regards to product range and quality standards to make recommendations for the company's range accordingly 

 

 

       Company's  Behaviors

.Passion                                               Clear talkingTeam Working                                                                                    Great ExecutionOpen to ChangeRetail Savvy

 

 

            Essential Skills / Knowledge

 Strong commercial awarenessGood understanding of purchasing processes and practices in a fast moving retail/service organizationNegotiation skillsStrong Influencing skillsAssertivenessProject management skillsGood understanding of production processes and a working knowledge of open book costing

·         An absolute passion for food and in particular a great enthusiasm for fresh, natural food.

·         Knowledge of food development and purchasing with product development experience in the food / catering industry, skilled at cross-functional co-ordination.

·         Excellent communication skills

·         Excellent planning & organising skills

·         Ability to build positive relationships with external parties

·         Good commercial acumen and understanding of financial issues surrounding food costs

·         A good understanding of an operational business.Passionate about customer service