Developmemt chef

Grapes Worldwide; Gravesend; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A soon-to-launch design-focused café is seeking a temporary freelance Development Chef for approximately 4–6 weeks. The role involves developing a unique menu inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, creating detailed recipes, and training the kitchen staff for optimal operations ahead of grand opening.

Qualifications

• Experience in Mediterranean and brunch cuisine required.
• Capability to translate creative vision into operational menus.
• Proficiency in creating detailed recipes and kitchen guides.

Responsibilities

• Lead the creation of the inaugural menu focusing on Mediterranean flavors.
• Write detailed recipes with ingredient lists and prep instructions.
• Conduct training sessions with kitchen team for consistency.

Skills

Menu development

Recipe writing

Training and mentoring

Culinary creativity

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Type: Short-Term / Project-Based (Approx. 4–6 weeks)

Compensation: Competitive, based on experience and scope

We are a soon-to-launch, design-focused café that pairs modern interior aesthetics with a fresh, soulful approach to brunch. Inspired by the vibrant simplicity of Mediterranean cuisine, our concept is built around clean flavors, beautiful presentation, and feel-good food. As we prepare for our grand opening, we are seeking a temporary freelance Development Chef to lead the creation of our inaugural menu.

This is a one-time contract role, perfect for a culinary professional with experience in menu development, particularly in Mediterranean and brunch cuisine, who can translate a creative vision into a fully realized, operationally feasible menu.

Write detailed, scalable recipes with ingredient lists, prep instructions, quantities, and estimated costs.

Develop plating guides for each dish with photo references or sketches.

Create kitchen prep guides and batch cooking instructions to support smooth kitchen operations.

Conduct on-site or virtual training sessions with the café’s kitchen team to ensure clear understanding and consistency in preparation and plating.

Oversee a kitchen test day or soft launch session to refine recipes and service flow if required.