At Fortnum & Mason, we are passionate about extraordinary food and drink and exceptional customer experience. With a commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation, we offer an exquisite range of products designed to delight and inspire. We are now seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Food Technical to lead our technical food team to deliver world-class product safety and our business strategy, while putting the customer at the heart of everything we do. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise with outstanding emotional intelligence and leadership capabilities to drive meaningful, positive change across the business, working as a critical and trusted partner.
Role Overview:
Reporting to the Director of Food Technical & Sustainability, you will oversee the development and delivery of Fortnum & Mason’s Technical new product development (NPD) and Product safety plans with an emphasis on product safety, and outstanding store, depots and supplier performance. You will work collaboratively and in partnership with the operational, head office and commercial teams to deliver on a series of commitments, while effectively managing and communicating current and future business risks and ensuring the business is compliant.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Leadership and Team Development: Build technical capability through our people.
2. Delivery and Execution: Set the highest possible standards of delivery for our customers through Fortnum’s teams and those of our suppliers.
3. Supply Base Alignment: Lead store and supply base strategy from a product safety perspective.
4. Strategic Influence: Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, providing insights and strategic recommendations on product innovation, risk management, and customer satisfaction.
Key Requirements:
* Proven track record of leading high-performing teams and delivering positive behaviours.
* Deep knowledge of food safety standards, quality control, and regulatory requirements.
* Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and collaborate at all levels of the organization.
* Experience managing supplier relationships and negotiating with a focus on safety ethical practices.
Experience:
* Degree in food technology or related subject.
* At least 5 years’ experience in a retail environment within house restaurants.
* At least 3 years’ experience of managing and developing product safety teams.
* Working knowledge of legal due diligence and UK legislation.
We are committed to developing your career and nurturing your talent, regardless of age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; sexual orientation. We respect and embrace each other's differences, to create a truly inclusive environment.
In return, we offer:
* A generous store and restaurant discount of up to 40%.
* 25 days holidays (excluded bank holidays) and an extra day off for your birthday.
* A fantastic subsidised staff restaurant which uses Fortnum’s ingredients.
* A range of opportunities to develop and grow personally and professionally.
#J-18808-Ljbffr