Head of Systems Transformation

About Us:

At itsu, we're passionate about making healthy eating exciting, accessible, and affordable. As an Asian-inspired food brand, we’ve grown to over 80 restaurants across the UK and Belgium, while building a thriving grocery business that reaches customers across Europe and beyond. Known for our fresh, high-quality food prepared daily in every shop, we're on an ambitious growth journey. With plans to expand our store estate, accelerate our grocery presence, and continue investing in innovation, technology, and our people, we're shaping the future of healthy fast food.

itsu [ grocery ], where this role sits, extends the much-loved itsu brand beyond our shops and into supermarkets, health food retailers, online channels, wholesale partners, and international markets. Our growing product range includes customer favourites such as crispy seaweed thins, frozen gyoza and bao, brilliant'broth, rice'noodles, and miso'easy, bringing the taste and quality of itsu into homes around the world.

Joining itsu means becoming part of a fast-paced, innovative business with big ambitions, a strong culture, and a shared mission to help people eat beautifully every day.

About the role:

Head of Systems Transformation is a newly created role which looks to design and implement the systems, processes and data infrastructure required to enable the business to scale from £100m to £200m+ revenue without a linear increase or headcount. The aim is to get the business ahead of its own growth with more efficient operations. The role will report into the joint managing director and be based in our London office for three days a week.

Key Role Responsibilities:

• Lead on the systems transformation:

1. - Quickly understand the lay of the land with current systems and identify which systems are holding the business back and the quick opportunities we have to improve
2. - Define the optimum systems and run thorough tender processes
3. - Clear structure of prioritisation of the impending changes
4. - Lead and deliver a best in class transition between systems to achieve rapid implementation and adoption

• Create a roadmap on systems transformation and integration over the next 3 years
• Work closely with the IT function to ensure pre-defined security, governance and standards are adhered to
• Work cross-functionally with all department heads to understand their requirements
• Working collaboratively with the IT function to ensure a positive roll out of AI to the total business
• Define the Systems Roadmap for Scale over the next 3 years

1. - Audit current tools, processes and data flows across the business
2. - Identify critical gaps vs a £200m business
3. - Prioritise high-impact projects
4. - Process Design

• In collaboration with the different department directors, redesign key cross-functional processes

1. - Select and Implement Best-in-Class Solutions
2. -Identify appropriate technology (ERP, planning tools, data tools, AI applications, etc.)
3. - Work within a shared IT structure, leveraging but not relying on it

• Drive adoption across the business
• Train teams and embed new processes and systems into daily routines

The ideal candidate will have:

• 10 years+ experience in systems or process transformation or consultancy roles
• FMCG experience
• Experience across various systems associated to ERP, HRIS, planning and forecasting, Power BI, warehousing and sales
• Be able to balance transformation with business continuity
• Proven track record of delivery in change management in fast-paced environments
• Self-starter that’s highly proactive and hands-on
• Comfortable with cross-functional leadership, collaboration and coordination
• Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Proactive with a flexible ‘can do’ friendly attitude
• Commercially driven and results orientated

What We Offer:

• Competitive Salary
• Competitive Bonus Scheme
• 25 days holiday + Bank holidays (two bank holidays are interchangeable for other religious holidays)
• Health Insurance
• Company Pension Scheme
• Hybrid Working model - 3-days onsite and 2-days working from home
• 50% employee discount in itsu shops
• Free itsu lunch when in the office
• Discounts at major retailers
• Salary sacrifice cycle and electric vehicle schemes
• Development & Growth opportunities

At itsu [grocery], everyone’s taste matters, and so does who’s behind it. We celebrate diversity and are an equal opportunities employer. Applications from all backgrounds are encouraged. If you need support or adjustments to apply, we’ll happily accommodate.