Creative Assistant to Founder

this is itsu

We are the leading Asian-inspired quick-service retail and grocery brand with over 80 restaurants across the UK, Belgium, and a growing wholesale business across Europe and beyond. Our renowned delicious food made fresh in every restaurant, every day, has made itsu a top choice for healthy eating.

In addition to our restaurants, itsu [grocery] offers a range of high-quality Asian-inspired foods available online and in supermarkets. We are excited to be one of the leading brands in this specific group and have ambitious plans for continued growth both domestically and globally.

With its best-in-class-food, latest technology, innovation, and talented workforce, itsu is the future of fast food.

this is the job

The Creative Assistant sits within the Exec Office and plays a key role in supporting Julian Metcalfe, itsu’s Founder [and previously Pret A Manger founder], on brand innovation. At the heart of the role is the ability to bring ideas to life, through creative graphic design concepts, from packaging to innovative presentations. The role works closely with internal teams within itsu and other ventures, to translate vision into execution, ensuring ideas are delivered to the highest standard. The creative elements takes up 75% of the role, with 25% of the role supporting Julian with diary management, coordinating travel and meetings, preparing documents and briefs, and managing select personal admin and finance tasks.

This is a highly trusted position requiring strong organisational skills, discretion, and confident communication across a broad range of stakeholders. For the right individual this role offers insight into innovation and brand building, working with a high energy and driven individual.

core responsibilities

• Acting as a catalyst for new ideas – sitting alongside the Founder, helping transform sparks of inspiration into products, projects and experiences that delight customers and help grow the business.
• Supporting the Founder on special initiatives and growth opportunities, including confidential business initiatives, presentations and company projects.
• Working closely with colleagues across the business to develop, coordinate and deliver creative projects.
• Creating and refining brand content across LinkedIn, presentations and company materials.
• Preparing presentations and key documentation to ensure effective operations, including some property management administration eg fixing utility rates, organising works to properties, liaising with property teams.
• Supporting the Executive Assistant with diary and meeting coordination, some travel arrangements and administrative projects when required.
• Handling confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and absolute discretion, acting as a trusted and professional representative of the Founder.
• Supporting the Founder in day-to-day priorities, ensuring the timely completion of tasks and projects, including some personal admin and finances including bills, direct debits, and standing orders.

this is you

• Able to deliver beautiful commercial concepts in Adobe Creative suite, a whizz on all Microsoft 365 tools and a drive to utilise AI to drive innovation and effectiveness.
• Commercially aware, with an interest in brands, consumer behaviour and business growth
• Comfortable working with ambiguity and transforming ideas into clear actions
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with stakeholders and employees at all levels
• Self-motivated and resourceful, with the confidence to take initiative and make things happen
• Understands the importance of confidentiality, tact and discretion, handling sensitive information and matters professionally
• Critical attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in everything you do
• Creative mindset, thinking outside of the box to enhance projects and solve problems

perks & benefits

• A competitive salary
• Flexible working, including 1 day a week from home, and up to 2 week a year working from abroad
• Generous time off allowances [including bank holidays]
• Free breakfast and snacks available everyday
• A free itsu lunch whenever you are in the office and 50% off in all stores, for when you are not
• We cover a variety of different benefits such as physical, mental, financial, environmental and social wellbeing
• An array of business events and socials throughout the year