Red Funnel is the original Isle of Wight ferry company with a history spanning 150 years. Today, we're a modern, integrated transport, travel and leisure company carrying 3 million passengers and freight every year, between Southampton and the Isle of Wight.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Commercial Catering and Retail to lead and grow our catering and retail operations.  This individual will be responsible for the development and implementation of the commercial strategy across all hospitality, catering and retail categories.  The role will cover the existing food and beverage concepts and will also drive future initiatives across the complete portfolio on-board our 6 vessels and within our 4 terminals.  The successful candidate will work closely with the Operational team to implement the product changes and enhancements.

The main duties of the role include the following:

*         Provide strategic leadership across all commercial catering and retail services.

*         Be responsible for leading the Commercial Catering & Retail team

*         Monitor and improve customer satisfaction through regular feedback and service evaluations.

*         Be responsible for the procurement and supplier management across full product range

*         Managing product and menu development to grow sales, reduce known/unknown loss and drive profitability.

*         Implementing process/system improvements in order to drive penetration whilst simplifying/enhancing the operation.

*         Managing data analysis to identify, define and adapt the F&B business to changing trends, consumer behaviours and seasonal variances to ensure the customer proposition remains relevant.

*         Monitoring Red Funnel’s portfolio of outlets around the business with a view to optimising sales and driving customer satisfaction, consistently looking for new opportunities to grow/adapt/define the proposition.

This role is a full time, permanent position and you will generally be working Monday to Friday, based primarily at our Head Office at Bugle Street in Southampton, but travel within the UK is required.  The role will report to the Commercial Director.

The ideal candidate will:

*         have a proven track record in the Catering & Retail/Hospitality industry. 

*         Strong commercial acumen with experience managing budgets and delivering financial targets.

*         Excellent leadership and people management skills.

*         Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.

*         Knowledge of current trends and innovations in catering and retail environments.

*         Experience within a travel environment is advantageous.

*         You will have the ability drive cross departmental collaboration

Red Funnel’s values are something we hold close to our heart. We feel that they embody our work ethic, behaviour and customer experience. Whilst these values summarise what we aim to be in the eyes of our customers, they can only happen through the dedication of our teams.  To reflect this, Red Funnel offers comprehensive benefits to our colleagues including:

• Free foot travel/subsidised vehicle travel on our ferries 
• 75% off South West Trains 
• Perkz - Offers and savings on lots of household names
• Food and beverage allowance
• Free Car parking during work 

Conditions apply