Regional Culinary & Innovation Director - EMEA - 12 month fixed-term contract Region : London, United Kingdom Ready for a fresh, new career? Look no further because one of the world’s most iconic brands can help you get there. Why Join Us? At Subway, “better” is baked into our DNA. We are a brand that believes in continued improvement … in our lives, our businesses, and our planet. From the handshake that started our very first sandwich shop to earning our position as one of the world’s leading restaurant brands, we’ve always embraced change and the path ahead. And today, we're making better living way easier. Our purpose is about more than the food we serve in our restaurants. It’s centered on fueling healthy businesses and healthier lives. It is one of the most exciting times to join the Subway team and contribute to our transformational journey. About the Role: The Director of Culinary & Innovation leads and executes the brand's culinary strategy inclusive of leading the innovation team, collaborating cross functionally, and developing new and improved products and processes across Europe. This position leads menu strategy, product ideation, product development and delivery, and product performance and research to ensure products are on trend and help grow the business. As well as supporting on product re-engineering and cost savings. Supervises NPD team and supports marketing teams across the region. Works closely with Operations, Q&A and supply teams to accomplish goals. If you feel that this is the role for you, and you are successful with your application, be ready to be Bold, Empowered, Accountable, and ready to have Fun in a fast paced and agile working environment. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Works with leadership to deploy and refine the Subway menu vision, rooted in a strong understanding of the brand, consumers, markets, and broader industry; converts vision into a pipeline of compelling concepts and products and serves as culinary champion for assigned development projects, which may include improving ingredients, developing new taste profiles, achieving industry-leading nutritional’s, or developing new-to-market menu items that span Subway’s current and any future product categories across EMEA Develops and presents to brand leadership and Franchise partners new beverage & food items, new menu platforms, limited time offers, catering and delivery innovation, in line with marketing campaigns and strategy Coordinates and partners with multiple stakeholders, including operations, supply chain, suppliers, marketing, and procurement to ensure new and existing product development aligns with Subway systems and achieves desired business results. Related responsibilities include the following: Contributes to strategy development, product ideation, and another consumer research as needed. Conducts bench-top development of new products and test kitchen research. Identifies and engages appropriate vendor partners/chefs to ensure coordinated NPD activities. Writes concept statements for screening that meet consumer, financial, and operational goals. Oversee the planning and execution of focus groups, CLTs and other food related research needs. Leads and/or participates in culinary ideation sessions involving multiple stakeholders. Balances both innovation and profitability on all culinary initiatives to ensure profitability at the unit and franchise level, this includes cost saving initiatives Collaborates with Purchasing on the sourcing of new ingredients and products, taking the lead on product evaluations and all sensory feedback Oversees the test kitchen as an effective vehicle for experimenting with new flavours and ideas, the development of new products, and the refinement of existing products. Collaborates with Marketing on product research and maintains memberships in professional organisation associated with relevant industry and culinary organisation to gather competitive intelligence on restaurant trends and culinary innovation May be required to provide hands–on product handling during presentations and consumer tasting research. Skills and Abilities Required: Bachelor's Degree of Culinary Education with Major or discipline in Marketing Research, Marketing, Business, Culinary. 10 years of experience in Operational experience helpful. Food Service background preferred. 3 – 5 years of supervisory experience Individual must have strong knowledge of consumer research methodologies and processes. Candidate must demonstrate strong project management skills. Candidate must demonstrate exceptional communication, writing, presentation, and training skills. Familiarity with menu creation through strategic innovation/ideation with third party collaboration is preferred. Candidate must be interested in food trends and trying new types of food. What do we Offer? Insurance Plans (Medical/Life) Pension Competitive Bonus Mobility Allowance Tuition Reimbursement Company Holidays Employee Resource Groups Volunteering time And Many More… Other details Job Family Culinary Pay Type Salary Employment Indicator Temporary