My food & drink job: Lucy Browne, recruitment manager, Planet Organic

Name: Lucy Browne

Age: 27

Job title: Recruitment manager

Company & location: Planet Organic, London 

Education: Nutritional therapy at the College of Naturopathic Medicine, London

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to be, but I always knew it would be something people-orientated. I loved interacting with others and being part of a team, which eventually led me to a career where I could combine my passion for working with people and my interest in health and nutrition.

Why did you decide to go for a career in food & drink? I have always been passionate about health and nutrition, which naturally led me towards the food and drink industry. After studying nutritional therapy, I wanted a career where I could not only promote healthier choices but also work with products that align with my values. Planet Organic was a perfect fit, combining my interest in food, wellbeing and sustainability.

“I get to work with like-minded individuals who share a passion for health and sustainability”

Explain your job to us in a sentence (or two): I manage the entire recruitment process at Planet Organic, covering both our stores and support office. In addition, I oversee the onboarding experience, which includes negotiating and extending offers, drafting contracts, integrating new hires into our internal systems, and leading day-one inductions to ensure a smooth transition for new employees.

What does a typical day look like for you? A typical day involves managing various recruitment tasks, from sourcing candidates and conducting interviews to liaising with department heads on our hiring needs. I also spend time ensuring a smooth onboarding process for new hires, ensuring they feel welcomed and supported from day one. My role also includes strategic planning, so I’m often involved in discussions about long-term recruitment goals and projects.

Tell us how you went about applying for your job: I joined Planet Organic in January 2018 as a nutrition advisor after a phone interview and a trial shift in-store. In January 2020, I transitioned to the operations team as operations manager, which involved a one-stage interview. By October 2022, I moved into the HR team as recruitment manager, again after a one-stage interview. Each role required adapting to new responsibilities, but my experience within the business helped with the transition.

What’s the best part about working for a food & drink company? The best part is definitely the people. I get to work with like-minded individuals who share a passion for health and sustainability. Plus, the employee discount is a great perk, especially when you’re surrounded by such wonderful products!

And what’s the biggest misconception people have about working in food & drink? One is the limited view of career paths. Many people assume it’s only about entry-level roles, without realising the wide range of career opportunities available. The industry offers roles in operations, buying, marketing, HR, finance, and IT, to name a few. Larger companies often invest in employee development programs, creating clear pathways for growth and advancement.

Read more on specialist retailers:

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• Farmison ordered to pay co-founder Pallagi £115K over unfair dismissal

Another misconception is about job stability. Food and drink retail is a dynamic and essential industry that’s constantly evolving. With the rise of e-commerce, grocery delivery services, and trends like meal kits, there’s growing demand for specialised roles in technology, supply chain management, and data analytics. This evolution creates not just job security but exciting new opportunities.

What advice would you give to other young people looking to get into the food & drink industry? Start on the shop floor. It’s one of the best ways to understand the industry from the ground up. There are awesome career opportunities available, but it’s crucial to gain experience and insight into customer behaviour, product knowledge, and day-to-day operations. With dedication, you can move into various roles across different departments.

What’s your ultimate career dream? My dream is to open a coffee shop and event space that fosters inclusivity and diversity, bringing people together over exceptional coffee, delicious food, music, and unique events. I want to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels at home, with a focus on community connection, creativity, and shared experiences.

Interested in finding out more about food & drink careers? Check out GrocerJobs for the latest vacancies