Job Description

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Food Development Manager to oversee all aspects of food service operations within our brewery's own managed pubs. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing the food menus which will include writing menus, costing menus, compiling allergen information for each dish, calorie counts for each dish, training pub managers on menu delivery, ensuring food safety standards, and maintaining high-quality culinary output. This role requires strong leadership skills, proven experience in a multiple retail food business, hospitality experience, and a passion for delivering quality pub food dining experiences.

Samuel Smith's is one of Britain's few remaining longstanding independent breweries. It brews a broad range of high quality beers from all natural ingredients at The Old Brewery in Tadcaster, Yorkshire. The brewery is Yorkshire's oldest and was established in 1758. Our pubs are often historic buildings, which the company takes pride in restoring and conserving in a sympathetic manner. The pubs have a "digital detox" policy so do not have televisions or music but instead encourage good old fashioned conversation and socialising.

As Food Development Manager, your role will be to spearhead food sales at many of these pubs. This will be done by training and motivating the managers of the pubs to serve the food to a high standard and by creating menus which are attractive to local customers.

This is a full-time varied role where no two days will be the same with opportunities to work on the various aspects of hospitality, drink and food retail management.

You will be based at the brewery in Tadcaster. A driving licence is essential because time will need to be spent visiting the brewery's pubs.

Responsibilities

Oversee food preparation and cooking processes to ensure quality standards are met consistently. Supervise kitchen staff, including pub managers, cooks, and serving personnel, providing guidance and support to optimise team performance. Manage food safety protocols in accordance with legal requirements and organisational policies. Provide staff training to ensure efficient food service while minimising waste. Ensure all food presentation aligns with brand standards and customer expectations. Train new pub managers in food preparation, safety procedures, and service standards. Monitor kitchen cleanliness and organisation to adhere to health regulations. Lead initiatives for menu development and special events eg Valentine's Day, Christmas as required. Liaise with the company's nominated food supplier to select quality food and negotiate best prices.

Requirements

Driving licence is essential to be able to travel about the north of England to the various pubs Proven experience in food and menu development. Resourcefulness and the ability to efficiently structure work schedule, have an eye for detail, be flexible and adaptable. Strong leadership skills with previous team management or supervisory experience. Extensive knowledge of food safety standards and regulations. Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently. Some hands-on experience in food production, kitchen management, or hotel operations is advantageous. Exceptional communication skills with the ability to motivate. Live within a 25 mile radius of Tadcaster (taking in York, Leeds, Bradford, Selby, Pontefract, Castleford, Wakefield, Wetherby, Harrogate). Personable and an excellent communicator, with fluent English language. Maintain complete confidentiality while working for a private company. Competent with MS Word & Excel.
This is an opportunity for someone who wants to work with a long-established independent family-run brewery, which can provide good career progression outside of the monotone corporate world.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 30,000.00-40,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person