Just Eat’s Caroline Bates on loyalty, anchovies and S Club 7

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Caroline Bates, Grocery and New Verticals Director, Just Eat UK

Name: Caroline Bates

Job title: Grocery & new verticals director

Company: Just Eat UK

What was your first job? Working on the till at my local Tesco. I loved the pace, the team, the buzz and meeting new people every day – it was my first glimpse of grocery and I never really left!

What’s been your worst job interview? Fresh out of university, I interviewed for a data analytics role for an airline. I was asked to do a timed complex data exercise, a first for me and one I was not quite prepared for. I thought I’d completely messed it up but somehow, I still got offered the job. It taught me to stay calm under pressure, always prepare and that sometimes winging it works!

What was the first music single you bought? ‘Reach for the Stars’ by S Club 7. Without fail it’ll get me on the dance floor every time.

“One rogue anchovy on a pizza or in a salad and I’m finished. Everyone else can keep their fear of heights… mine comes in a tin”

How do you describe your job to your friends? I tell people I help bring grocery and retail partners even closer to customers, making it possible for people to get the products they love delivered in minutes. I work with some of the best and most familiar retailers in the country, managing the strategy, commercials, and relationships behind the scenes so your “quick top-up shop” arrives before the kettle’s boiled.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Seeing partnerships grow and ideas come to life. Whether it’s launching first-to-market innovation in my supermarket days or now working with our partners to expand their online reach through Just Eat, I love turning a great idea into something customers genuinely value. And building high-performing teams that are proud of the work we do – that’s always the best part.

What is the least rewarding part? Dealing with slow-moving operational matters. They’re necessary, but they can take time away from the areas I enjoy most, which is meeting with partners, creating impact for customers and driving growth.

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What is your motto in life? “Everything happens for a reason.” It reminds me to focus on what I can control, learn from challenges, and keep moving forward – both personally and professionally.

If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? A Just Eat button in my kitchen that orders groceries automatically when I’m running low. Ideally one that also unloads the bags. We might get there one day with all the tech innovations.

Do you have any phobias? Not an actual phobia, but anchovies. I can handle high-pressure meetings, last-minute launches, and technical challenges, but one rogue anchovy on a pizza or in a salad and I’m finished. Everyone else can keep their fear of heights… mine comes in a tin.

If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? In such a competitive grocery and convenience landscape, consumers are increasingly seeking out retailers and platforms that can offer something more: meaningful rewards, personalised incentives and loyalty programmes that deliver genuine savings. I’d like to see brands across the sector continuing to raise the game. Loyalty isn’t just a ‘nice to have’ anymore; it’s becoming a key differentiator.

What luxury would you have on a desert island? Anyone who knows me knows I love my sleep and I take my pillows seriously, and I mean very seriously. My luxury item would have to be a huge bed with lots of comfy pillows. If I’m stranded, at least I’ll be sleeping well, refreshed, and ready to see where the adventure takes me.

What animal most reflects your personality? A Border Collie – driven, energetic, loyal and happiest when solving problems with people.

What’s your favourite film and why? Hands down The Holiday. It’s a nice feel-good movie, like a giant hug. It puts me in a good mood every time I watch it. I’m encouraging everyone in the grocery team to make sure they take time to rest and put on a good movie during the busy festive season.

What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? I was once pulled up on stage at an event to take part in a dance-off in front of my team and 200 strangers… It was terrifying and cringeworthy at the time, but I embraced it so much, so I actually won the competition. I must have the moves!

Which celebrity would you most like to work with and why? I’d have to say Stanley Tucci. He’s knowledgeable about food, has a great sense of humour, and comes across as really down to earth. It would be a lot of fun working with someone who clearly loves what they do and can make serious food conversations enjoyable – plus he makes a mean cocktail.

What would your death row meal be? I’d have an Italian feast: fresh pizza, creamy pasta, garlic bread, and a selection of my favourite antipasti. All washed down with a few glasses of a nice, chilled rose – and of course delivered by one of our Just Eat couriers from my favourite local Italian restaurant.