The National Trust has bold plans for its unique food and beverage business. With ambitious capital investment plans, a unique supply chain that includes ingredients sourced from National Trust places, and exciting new food concepts in development, our Food & Beverage operation continues to be a vital enabler of the Trust’s work to look after the places in its care, for everyone, for ever. From charming tea rooms and bustling cafes to coffee tuk-tuks and wood-fired pizza, we operate more than 300 food outlets across hundreds of amazing places. It’s a fast-paced, dynamic business with genuine purpose.

To help us achieve these ambitions we're looking for a Product Development Manager to cover one of our existing roles for 6 months, a passion for food and commitment to improving our data and operations is key. With strong experience in managing multi-site F&B operations, a strong understanding of stock management systems and tills and an understanding of menu analysis/engineering, you'll help to both lead and deliver growth in our revenue and profit.

This role is a 6 month fixed term contract.

What it's like to work here

We provide the best possible working environment for you, working with people who love food just as much as you do, you’ll enjoy the buzz and pace of creating delicious products across a wide range of propositions whilst working for a much-loved charity that puts people and places at the heart of its work.

Your contractual location will be our national office in Swindon, however there will be an opportunity to explore and agree remote working arrangements which strike the right balance for you and the Trust.

What you'll be doing

As Product Development Manager, you'll be responsible for the development of menus and recipes in conjunction with our Development Chefs, specifically taking accountability for the data and tills side of our menu toolkits.

You'll create, test and launch new propositions and menus that protect and grow revenue, and ultimately, profitability. You'll follow a robust development process informed by customer insights to ensure that the food concepts we create delight and inspire our visitors, enabling efficiency, exemplary service and superior food experiences. Working closely with our commercial systems support team you’ll enable our operations to deliver our various propositions effectively.

Who we're looking for

We recommend you view the full role profile document attached. You don't need to have all the knowledge, skills and experience listed; this just provides a full picture of what is possible in this role. We’d love you to have:

• Experience of from scratch food production and management of kitchen teams

• Proven experience of developing food and beverage propositions

• Understanding of menu analysis and engineering

• Understanding of customer expectations and trends within the UK food industry

The package

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

Wherever you’re from, and whatever your background, we want to hear from you – and it doesn’t matter if you’re jam first, cream first, or even if you don’t like scones at all. Everyone is welcome.

Benefits for working at the National Trust include:

• Flexible working whenever possible

• Free parking at most locations

• Free entry to our properties for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

• Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary