David Howard Email & Phone Number

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Fully accountable for the group’s Food and Beverage division including global franchise brands (Caffe Nero, Magnolia Bakery, Emporio Armani Caffe, Ocean Basket), local franchise brands (More Café, Almaz by Momo) and an array of homegrown concepts.I lead an amazing culinary team of over 140 who are spread across 45 locations, both in the UAE and Kuwait. I predominantly lead the food transformation within Al Tayer Group which involves continuous product development, kitchen designs for… Show more Fully accountable for the group’s Food and Beverage division including global franchise brands (Caffe Nero, Magnolia Bakery, Emporio Armani Caffe, Ocean Basket), local franchise brands (More Café, Almaz by Momo) and an array of homegrown concepts.I lead an amazing culinary team of over 140 who are spread across 45 locations, both in the UAE and Kuwait. I predominantly lead the food transformation within Al Tayer Group which involves continuous product development, kitchen designs for all new locations and concepts, and supporting the brand chefs and kitchen teams to ensure quality management in line with brand standards.As well as our kitchen teams, my other key relationships are with my colleagues in commercial, supply chain, and marketing. I work extremely close with them to ensure seamless product and campaign launches. I also head up the cost control department ensuring tighter control and full transparency on all margin within the portfolio.My specific highlights include:• The development and implementation of all Caffe Nero products across the U.A.E. including all ready to eat items as well as a range of beverages and seasonal campaigns. Food contribution has grown by 4%• The launch of ‘Caffe Nero Deli Fresh’ in the UAE – a fresher offering which has seen the brands food attachment grow by 4.9% over the last year• The awarding of ‘Best Franchise partner’ by Magnolia Bakery after successfully launching the world’s first Magnolia Bakery Café. A second site has since followed – now the largest Magnolia Bakery Café in the world• The opening of the group’s first central production kitchen • The design and subsequent launch of two homegrown concepts; Atrium Café - a premium grab and go offering also featuring product customization and Scene Café – an upscale New York style eatery in Bloomingdales, Kuwait• The strong relationships that I have built, grown and maintained with all local and international suppliers as well as the individual brand principles Show less

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

I headed up the product development sector for Caffe Nero. This included all sweet and savoury products as well as an array of beverages from concept to launch.I was responsible for developing comprehensive food calendars and developing all recipes and specifications in the U.A.E as well as conducting a complete overhaul of all food categories in line with newly launched brand guidelines.I worked extremely closely with ingredient suppliers as well as product manufacturers to… Show more I headed up the product development sector for Caffe Nero. This included all sweet and savoury products as well as an array of beverages from concept to launch.I was responsible for developing comprehensive food calendars and developing all recipes and specifications in the U.A.E as well as conducting a complete overhaul of all food categories in line with newly launched brand guidelines.I worked extremely closely with ingredient suppliers as well as product manufacturers to develop and optimize new and existing components in finished goods.I was responsible for supplier management throughout category launches; briefings in line with strategic direction; quarterly reviews and objectives• Trend Research• Culinary concepting• Formula development & optimization• Commercialization & scale up• Process development• Supplier and assembler on-boardingLike for like growth in food by 3.4% units and 4.1% in sales 2016-2017 Show less

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Fully responsible for the day to day running and operations of a new premium grab and go 'foodie' cafe within a state of the art hospital in Abu Dhabi.I managed a team of 12 including a front of house and kitchen team primarliy focused on clean, freshly made sandwiches, salads, hot pots and juices.I was directly responsible for the hiring and training of all team members and created an array of brand manuals, recipe cards, cheat sheets and order pads from start to finish to… Show more Fully responsible for the day to day running and operations of a new premium grab and go 'foodie' cafe within a state of the art hospital in Abu Dhabi.I managed a team of 12 including a front of house and kitchen team primarliy focused on clean, freshly made sandwiches, salads, hot pots and juices.I was directly responsible for the hiring and training of all team members and created an array of brand manuals, recipe cards, cheat sheets and order pads from start to finish to support all aspects of the brand.Total revenue AED 6 million Show less

London, United Kingdom

I was directly responsible for all culinary operations within the Alliance Boots contract across 4 central London sites catering for over 800 customers.• Managed bespoke private events for client VIP’s from menu design to staff sourcing• Daily changing menu’s for Alliance Boots staff on each site• Creation of new menu concepts on a weekly basis

London, United Kingdom

I headed up the catering operation for the Vodafone contract catering to over 1000 customers.

Gchq, Cheltenham

Cheltenham, United Kingdom

Falmouth, United Kingdom

Advanced Professional Cookery Cg Diploma Level 2, Distinction

Education record

Education record