Name: Jade Simpkin
Age: 26
Job title: Assistant brand manager
Company & location: The Gym Kitchen
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? As a kid, I was set on becoming a marine biologist – I was obsessed with sealife and thought it would be the coolest job ever. That dream didn’t last long once I realised I get horribly seasick.
Why did you decide to go for a career in food & drink? I’ve always loved food, and even before I got into the industry, it was a passion I pursued outside my nine to five.
Before joining The Gym Kitchen I trained as a chef, and did catering jobs and supper clubs, alongside a role working in brand marketing in the beauty industry. That hands-on experience gave me a real appreciation for ingredients, flavour, and the way food connects people – and I knew that food was something I wanted to pursue full-time. Being in a role where I can combine my passion for food with my professional experience in branding and strategy is a dream come true!
“The brand’s energy and ambition were clear from the outset, and I knew I wanted to be part of that journey”
Explain your job to us in a sentence (or two): I help drive the growth of The Gym Kitchen brand across everything from new product development and packaging to digital content, campaigns and retail activations. It’s a fast-paced, hands-on role where I can make a real impact.
What does a typical day look like for you? No two days are the same! I might be reviewing packaging artwork for a new high-protein meal, co-ordinating our next campaign, or working on in-store activations. I also keep a close eye on trends and competitor activity to make sure The Gym Kitchen stays ahead of the curve. It’s a mix of creative thinking, collaboration, and fast-paced execution.
Tell us how you went about applying for your job: What first drew me to The Gym Kitchen was its bold, health-focused mission and standout presence in the fmcg space. I was instantly excited by their commitment to making nutritious food accessible without compromising on flavour or convenience. The brand’s energy and ambition were clear from the outset, and I knew I wanted to be part of that journey.
The application process itself had three stages: an initial get-to-know-you chat, a competency round with pre-assigned tasks and questions about my experience, and finally an in-person interview. It was thorough but energising – each step reinforced my impression that The Gym Kitchen was a brand with big ambitions and a great team.
What’s the best part about working for a food & drink company? The creativity. Consumer tastes are constantly evolving, and being part of a brand that’s agile and innovative means we’re always experimenting, launching and learning. It’s exciting to be part of something that’s growing fast and genuinely making a difference in how people eat.
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And what’s the biggest misconception people have about working in food & drink? That it’s all about the product. The product obviously needs to taste amazing, but it is also important to connect with people’s lifestyles and values – especially in health-focused food.
What advice would you give to other young people looking to get into the food & drink industry? Don’t be afraid to start in unexpected places. My journey began in psychology, moved through becoming a chef and landed in brand marketing.
Every experience has added value. Be curious, stay passionate, and look for brands that align with your values.
What’s your ultimate career dream? I don’t have one fixed dream. I’m still early in my career and am enjoying exploring, learning, and growing. Right now, I’m loving being part of The Gym Kitchen’s journey and helping build a brand that’s bold, health-focused, and full of energy.
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