Development Chef

Overview:

The Junior Development Chef works closely with the Product Development team and broader team on site to support the development and creation of new products and improve existing recipes to achieve the innovation plan for the site. This role will involve hands-on development, experimentation and testing to ensure products are of the highest standard whilst meeting operational, quality and nutritional requirements.

This will be across a multiple customer base and private label for the chilled snack food category.

Responsibilities:

1. Support New Product Development (NPD) and Existing Product Development (EPD) to required cost and timescales.
2. Assist on varying customer briefs to create and deliver innovative products that meet customer and market requirements.
3. Assist recipe building and formulation against guidelines.
4. Gather information required and present products to internal teams, which includes benchmarking sessions, pre submission panels, cost reduction.
5. Identify new trends and maintain current products to deliver newness to the category by understanding the market.
6. Communicate with teams including NPD, purchasing and finance to interpret briefs, source new ingredients and carry out costings.
7. Work with the procurement team to source quality ingredients and stay informed about new suppliers and innovative ingredients that could improve product offerings.
8. Conduct regular tastings of product samples to assess quality, flavour, texture, and overall appeal. Provide feedback and make necessary adjustments to recipes.
9. Work on refining production methods, testing products at scale, and ensuring they meet technical specifications and quality standards.
10. Support the transition of new products from development into full production, working closely with the production team to ensure smooth handover and consistency.
11. Support the Process Manager with factory trials.
12. General kitchen duties - opening/closing procedures, general hygiene, managing documentation, stock control.
13. Ensure all new products meet food safety and regulatory standards, including allergen management, nutritional labelling, and compliance with industry regulations.

1. Looking to start or continue career as a Development Chef
2. Food experience background in restaurants or food manufacturing
3. Valid driving licence
4. At least 1-2 years of experience in a product development or culinary role, ideally within a manufacturing or food production environment.
5. A degree or diploma in Culinary Arts, Food Science, or a related field (preferred).
6. Good cookery skills with flare for innovation and creativity
7. Organisation and planning
8. Communicating at different levels of seniority
9. Presentation skills
10. Basic computing skills
11. Team player but can work independently
12. Strong knowledge of pastry techniques and culinary principles, particularly within the chilled food sector.
13. Ability to experiment with flavours and ingredients to create new and exciting products.
14. Ability to work collaboratively within a cross-functional team and communicate effectively with colleagues and suppliers.
15. Familiarity with food safety standards, including HACCP and allergen management.
16. Good organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.