FTG Training & Development Executive - Sales Foodservice

Job Req ID: 5917

Job Posting Closing Date: Midnight on Monday 6th January 2025

FTG Training & Development Executive

Attractive Salary, Benefits, Company Car & Bonus

36.5 Hour week (Hybrid)

Newtownabbey

Who are we?

At Henderson Group, we are proud to be Northern Ireland’s leading foodservice provider. Our group encompasses Henderson Wholesale, Henderson Retail, Henderson Foodservice and Henderson Group Property. We employ over 5,000 staff and have been placed 5th in Ulster Business Top 100 Companies 2024.

We're a family-owned team that cares about our people and the community in which we live. Our leaders care about employees and our employees succeed together and celebrate the success of others. We are interested in your aspirations, interests and skills and we strive to support and inspire you to do well.

A look into the role

Henderson Food Service is the leading supplier to the food service industry in Ireland. We source and supply a range of thousands of products to customers including hotels, restaurants, and public sector organisations such as hospitals and offices.

Following another year of record growth, our team continue to exceed targets and delivered a sales increase of 41.4% in N.I. last year. Our team will offer you a positive and supportive environment to enjoy success within our market leading brand.

We achieved Gold accreditation against the Investors in People standard framework in 2020 in recognition of people management excellence and our commitment to investment in people.

The Purpose of the role:

As the Training BDE at Henderson Foodservice, your role focuses on enhancing the customer experience by delivering solution-based products and concepts, with a primary emphasis on the Food To Go sector.

You will oversee the rollout of Henderson Group deli brands through training and development, build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to drive business improvements, and support the sales teams.

Additionally, you will assist the Development Chef with customer presentations, internal training, and the creation of product ideas, recipes, and training materials, while maintaining in-depth knowledge of all products and services across the group.

Working as FTG Training & Development Executive you will:

Embed tailored training plans within independent retailers' operations.
Align menu builds with costers and back-office data.
Facilitate store openings/deli launches, conducting post-audit reviews and improvement plans.
Ensure FTG team mastery in product knowledge, customer interaction, and training techniques.
Promote consistency across the FTG Team in delivering store initiatives.
Enhance deli execution, planogram adherence, and pricing/menu strategies to maximize retailer profitability.
Perform initiative audits to embed good habits at the store level.
Support sales, category, and customer objectives across departments.
Collaborate with Trading & Replenishment on category development, sourcing, pricing, and trends.
Provide product knowledge training for Sales and Telesales teams.
Plan and deliver Foodshows (e.g., Catex, IFEX, Loughry).
Support customer presentations and development days, including cooking demonstrations.
Develop selling tools for key product ranges.
Conduct and document taste panels, identifying needs and recommending improvements.
Complete role-related administration accurately and punctually.
Contribute positively to Category and Sales meetings.
Comply with HFS regulations and policies.
Foster collaborative relationships within HFS and the Henderson Group.

Skills for Success

Joining us as FTG Training & Development Executive the minimum criteria you’ll need is:

A minimum of 5 GCSE’S or equivalent
Level 3 or higher Hygiene Certificate
Previous experience in training staff in food service settings, including delis, bakeries, or catering operations.
Proven experience in creating best practice training and improvement plans
Ability to analyse data and develop appropriate action plans
Commercial awareness and a strong understanding of profitability and the factors that influence it
Full, valid, clean UK/EU driving licence

The Attributes you’ll need include:

Ability to thrive in a collaborative team environment
Excellent communication skills
Highly organised and methodical, with the ability to manage multiple projects
Capable of working independently and using initiative
Strong problem-solving abilities

It is Desirable if you have:

A third-level qualification in Food Preparation or as a qualified chef
Certification in Training within a food environment
Familiarity with Henderson Group Food to Go concepts
Experience in determining menu portion costs and management
Knowledge of back-office EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) systems
A flair for food presentation

Are we right for you?

As part of this role, it will be important that you feel aligned with the values that we live and work by.

Ambition – We always strive to be better. We seek new challenges and look for ways to do things better.

Customer First – We provide exceptional service. We put customers at the heart of everything and support our communities.

Teamwork – We succeed together. We help colleagues to succeed, and we share our knowledge and skills.

Integrity – We are fair, honest and ethical. We treat everyone with dignity and respect. We are inclusive and champion diversity.

The Reward

The impact you can make with Henderson Group goes far beyond your day to day. You will be part of a business supporting defibrillator installations and school sports days. In the last year Henderson group staff and retail stores raised over £1 million for charity partners.

You will have the balance necessary to enjoy your job and your life. We will help you to feel proud of what you do and achieve. And we will be here to celebrate your success.

Our business has been recognised externally for delivering excellence in employment. We value employee development and heavily invest in our people.

Benefits include market competitive salary, company car or allowance, bonus, contributory pension scheme, healthcare, life assurance, employee assistance programme, social club, Reward Gateway Employee Recognition & Discount Scheme throughout UK/Ireland, staff discount (grocery/fuel) at SPAR/EUROSPAR Henderson Group company-owned stores and many more.

This is a full-time position working 36.5 hours per week. Working hours will be 8:45am-4:45pm Monday to Thursday and 8:45am-3:45pm Friday. Hybrid and flexible working arrangement available.

If you'd like to speak with us before making your application, our Talent Acquisition Specialist - Joanne McClelland would be happy to have a confidential chat with you about the role on offer - email joanne.mcclelland@henderson-group.com to get in touch.

*Applicants should note that we reserve the right to apply the desirable criteria if required at shortlisting stage

Completed applications must be submitted online by midnight on Monday 6th January 2025

We are an equal opportunities employer.