Culinary Development Specialist – Care Menu Innovator

Elior; England; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free, tasty meals

Flexible working

Generous holiday allowance

Paid volunteering days

Career development opportunities

Pension schemes and life assurance

Company car or car allowance

Job summary

A leading food service company in the UK is seeking a Culinary Development Specialist to create innovative menus focusing on taste, nutrition, and sustainability. You will collaborate closely with chefs and marketing, relying on insights and trends to shape offerings. The position involves flexibility for travel and includes robust perks such as free meals and generous holidays. Ideal candidates have strong culinary skills and the ability to influence, innovate, and work independently.

Qualifications

• Strong culinary and operational experience with a commercial mindset.
• Confidence working with menu management systems, data and cost models.
• Solid knowledge of allergen, nutrition and food legislation.
• The ability to influence, collaborate and communicate at all levels.
• A curious, proactive approach with a passion for food trends and quality.
• Organized, analytical and comfortable working independently.

Responsibilities

• Leading recipe and menu development across care sectors.
• Optimising ingredients and menu margins to support commercial targets.
• Translating food trends and customer insight into innovation.
• Supporting menu implementation with clear recipes and guidance.
• Working with Purchasing and Suppliers on tastings and promotions.
• Using data to mitigate inflation and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Culinary and operational experience

Confidence with menu management systems

Knowledge of food legislation

Ability to influence and collaborate

Curious and proactive approach

Organized and analytical

Job description

A leading food service company in the UK is seeking a Culinary Development Specialist to create innovative menus focusing on taste, nutrition, and sustainability. You will collaborate closely with chefs and marketing, relying on insights and trends to shape offerings. The position involves flexibility for travel and includes robust perks such as free meals and generous holidays. Ideal candidates have strong culinary skills and the ability to influence, innovate, and work independently.