Job Description
**Commercial Food Manager** A dynamic and experienced Commercial Food Manager is sought to drive sales, enhance product offerings, and maintain strong relationships with brand partners and customers in a rapidly growing convenience roadside retailer. **About Applegreen** Established in 1992, Applegreen is a leading convenience roadside retailer in the Republic of Ireland, the UK, and the US, operating over 600 Motorway Service Plazas and forecourt sites internationally, with annual revenue exceeding €3 billion and a workforce of over 16,000 people. **Key Responsibilities** • Develop and lead the branded and own brand food strategy in collaboration with various teams • Manage relationships with franchise food brand partners and suppliers to secure optimal business terms • Build commercialization infrastructure, product roadmap, and market adoption of Applegreen products and services • Combine technical knowledge, product knowledge, and strategy implementation to increase sales and profitability • Ensure high-quality, innovative, and aligned food offerings with the company's strategic goals • Identify under-performing sites and offer support to maximize sales and operational profitability • Develop frameworks to assess, engage, and introduce new brand partners • Use data insights to support operations and deliver a better customer experience **Product Development and NPD Leadership** • Lead the New Product Development (NPD) process for the company's own brand and contribute to NPD for franchise brands • Work with suppliers to introduce new products while ensuring alignment with market trends • Collaborate with marketing and operations teams to enhance product offerings and customer experience **Sales Performance and Financial Optimization** • Drive food sales and optimize margins across various food offers • Report on sales performance, identify gaps and opportunities for growth, and use market analysis and data insights to enhance the customer experience • Ensure product offerings are relevant and timely based on customer needs and market dynamics **Requirements** • 3-5 years of experience in a similar role • Higher level qualification advantageous • Passion for food and innovation, along with a customer-centric focus • Excellent verbal, written, communication, and presentation skills • High proficiency in Microsoft Office software (Excel, PPT) • Experience in a high-volume retail environment preferred but not essential • Ability to manage multiple relationships, duties, and priorities • Clean, full driver's license • SAP experience preferred **Additional Key Skills and Attributes** • Leadership skills: ability to manage and motivate a team effectively • Strong communication skills to train and guide staff • Operational skills: excellent organizational and multitasking abilities • Proficiency in budgeting, forecasting, and financial management • Customer service orientation: strong focus on customer satisfaction and quality service • Analytical skills: ability to analyze sales data, customer preferences, and market trends • Problem-solving skills: capacity to identify issues and implement effective solutions quickly • Knowledge of food safety standards: in-depth understanding of health and safety regulations pertaining to food handling and storage • Adaptability: ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adjust to changing priorities or challenges • Proven track record of delivering to tight deadlines • Willingness to travel ad hoc if required