Food Development Manager

We’re En Route. We’re a welcoming bunch, with a down-to-earth outlook that helps build lasting relationships with customers and colleagues alike.

As global specialists in passenger solutions, supply chain services and sourcing for airlines and airline caterers, we operate globally as part of dnata, one of the world’s largest combined air services providers.

En Route’s expertise is one of the many reasons why we’ve enjoyed more than 20 years as a global food solutions partner, with offices in the UK, USA, Australia and UAE.

Are you ready to become part of our story?

Created by En Route colleagues, our values sit at the very heart of our business.

• Birthday day off
• 25 days off a year
• Company bonus scheme
• Hybrid Working (3 days in office)
• Medical Insurance
• Referral Scheme
• Social Events
• Flexi Time

The Food Development Manager is responsible for leading the innovation, development and launch of high-quality food and beverage products. Providing expertise across En Route’s core categories, ensuring all project tasks are completed within agreed timescales and to the required standards, taking project ownership where applicable.

Working closely with the Head of Category to shape the category plans and their tactical execution. In addition to having product responsibility this role will also support strategic projects as required.

• Lead the end-to-end development of new food concepts and product ranges
• Conduct tastings, presentations and menu showcases for customers and internal stakeholders
• Work closely with customers to understand their brand positioning, route profiles and passenger expectations and translate this into detailed product briefs for suppliers
• Understand the wants and needs of both our customers and the end consumer
• Build strong relationships with customers, establishing self as subject matter expert
• Partner with suppliers and technical colleagues on first trials, first production and oversee implementation of new products ensuring compliance with food safety standards
• Monitor culinary trends, competitor activity and passenger feedback to drive continuous improvement and innovation
• Ensure that the product portfolio is refreshed, reviewed and updated in line with Category plan to ensure it is relevant and contemporary
• Avoid unnecessary spread in range eliminating obsolescence and optimising inventory
• Act as an En Route ambassador at PR and Marketing events as and when required
• Collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders to ensure Innovation, ingredient quality, cost effectiveness and sustainability where appropriate
• Working with Technical to ensure product safety and adherence to guidelines
• Work with supply chain to ensure effective mobilisation
• Support commercial account managers during client pitches and tenders
• Ensure any direct reports have clear performance goals that are regularly reviewed throughout the year
• Deputise for Head of Category as required
• Travel overseas as required for customer and supplier meetings
• To undertake any other duties, which may from time to time be assigned.

• Experience in food product development or manufacturing, ideally within airline catering or food service.
• Experience managing client‑facing projects and working effectively with cross‑functional teams.
• Strong project management capability with a hands‑on, flexible approach to leading work at pace.
• Excellent culinary awareness, ideally across multiple product categories.
• A strong passion for food, product innovation, and understanding emerging trends.
• Commercial acumen with the ability to balance creativity and practicality.
• Excellent communication skills and strong stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to build and maintain strong business relationships.
• A customer‑focused mindset and a clear sense of accountability- both personally and in enabling others.
• Confidence in making data‑driven decisions and collaborating effectively across internal and external partners.
• Experience in food manufacturing or food retail.
• Experience using a retail category approach to product development.
• Chef background with expertise across multiple categories.
• Experience working in a…