Development Chef

Thomas Franks Ltd.; Banbury; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering business is seeking a talented Development Chef to enhance their menu offerings and ensure high standards of food safety and customer service. The role includes mentoring, creating seasonal menus, and driving food-related training within the company. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a dynamic team focused on food excellence and innovation.

Benefits

Discounts at major retailers

Free meals on duty

Volunteers leave

Enhanced leave options

Cycle to work scheme

Recommend a friend bonus

Training and development

Apprenticeship programmes

Social events

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in B&I contract catering or Independent School sector at Chef level.
• Strong culinary skills and passion for food.
• Financial understanding.

Responsibilities

• Support mobilisations and troubleshooting at various locations.
• Create bespoke seasonal menus from local suppliers.
• Drive food-based training and standards adherence.

Skills

Customer service

Client relationship

Innovation

Food safety

Organizational skills

Job description

Contract: Full Time , Permanent
Salary: £ 50,000 per annum
Hours: 40 per week

Our head offices are based in the beautiful village of Hook Norton near Banbury. Here, you will find our teams of finance, HR, purchasing, marketing & creative that support all of our locations across the Thomas Franks family. There is ample parking available when visiting.

We are looking for a talented Development Chef to join and support our growing team.

You will have experience within either the B&I contract catering sector or the Independent School sector at Executive Head Chef, Executive Chef Manager, or Development Chef level to be considered for this role.

Key responsibilities:

• Support with mobilisations
• Assist with troubleshooting at locations requiring additional support
• Drive food-based training and development programmes within the business
• Support high-level hospitality and events
• Create bespoke seasonal menus from regional and local suppliers
• Mentor and support in setting food standards
• Complete food costings as required
• Handle company administrative tasks
• Ensure adherence to company food standards and control wastage
• Implement Thomas Franks Fresh Food Standards, using local and in-season produce, and address areas of concern
• Follow all Food Hygiene and Health & Safety policies and allergen control procedures

You will have the following skills:

• Genuine interest in food and excellent customer service skills
• Strong client relationship skills
• Team player and leader
• Passion for innovation and great food
• Organized with attention to detail
• Financial understanding
• Benefits include discounts at major retailers, free meals on duty, volunteers leave, enhanced maternity/paternity/adoptive leave, cycle to work scheme, recommend a friend bonus, training and development, apprenticeship programmes, social events, employee assistance, and career progression opportunities.

About us

Thomas Franks is a founder-led, fresh food catering business focused on excellence and service delivered with individuality, passion, and style. Our clients and our people are central to our success.

Disclaimer

Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK. An enhanced DBS, identity, and reference checks will be part of the selection process. We are committed to safeguarding children and fair treatment of all applicants, complying fully with the DBS Code of Practice. For posts in schools, criminal convictions must be declared.

Diversity and Inclusion at Thomas Franks

We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and under-represented groups to foster growth, inclusion, and better results.