Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Food & Hospitality Group

Location: Malta (Relocation / Full-time executive appointment)

Contract Type: Full-time Permanent Contract

Industry: Food Manufacturing, Contract Catering, Retail & Hospitality

About the Role

Are you a commercially sharp, hands-on executive capable of driving growth and operational excellence across a multi-faceted food and hospitality portfolio?

On behalf of a leading regional group, we are seeking a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the group’s food and hospitality division as one disciplined, highly profitable, and compliant operating group. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, you will hold full executive accountability for strategy, P&L, commercial growth, operational efficiency, and team leadership across local and international operations.

Key Responsibilities & Scope

• Strategic Leadership & P&L Ownership: Drive a credible 3-year strategic vision, holding full accountability for consolidated P&L, EBITDA, cash flow, working capital, and capital investments (CAPEX).
• End-to-End Operational Control: Oversee diverse business units, including central food production/manufacturing, commercial bakeries, healthcare/institutional catering, restaurants & cafés, and distribution supply chains.
• Commercial & Export Expansion: Build and execute a robust commercial pipeline across local, institutional, events, and international/export channels.
• Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement: Implement daily operational control systems (Lean, 5S, standard work) to reduce waste, optimize yield, and boost labor productivity.
• Safety & Quality Governance: Maintain audit-ready food safety (HACCP), occupational health & safety, and regulatory compliance across all sites and healthcare contracts.
• People & Organization: Build, coach, and structure a high-performing executive leadership team with clear accountability and succession planning.

Profile & Candidate Requirements

• European Base & Experience: Must be currently based in Europe with solid, proven executive experience navigating European food, hospitality, or manufacturing markets.
• Proven Senior Executive Leadership: Substantial experience as CEO, Managing Director, or Senior VP managing a multi-format food business (manufacturing, central kitchens, contract catering, retail, or hospitality).
• Strong Financial & Analytical Acumen: Direct ownership of a material P&L, comfortable working independently with financial models, Excel, ERP, and BI data tools.
• International & Export Experience: Demonstrated track record of commercial expansion, export sales development, or overseas business mobilization.
• Operational Mastery: Solid understanding of food safety, Lean manufacturing, supply chain management, and complex catering operations.
• Board-Level Communication: Concise, data-driven communicator with exceptional stakeholder management skills.

How to Apply:

If you are an ambitious executive ready to drive the next phase of growth for this premier food group, please submit your updated CV or LinkedIn profile in confidence.

Contact: beatrice@corecruitment.com