Development Chef

Simply Lunch; Croydon; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free lunch and beverages every day

30 days annual leave

Ongoing training and development

Cycle to Work scheme

Job summary

Simply Lunch in London seeks a hands-on professional to support the development of innovative food-to-go products from concept through launch. You’ll partner with the NPD team, chefs, and cross-functional teams to ensure products are delicious, on-trend, commercially viable and scalable for production.

Ideal candidates have experience in a professional kitchen or food manufacturing, with a passion for food innovation and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in a professional kitchen or food manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to product development or strong interest in NPD.
• Understanding of food safety, quality standards, and kitchen best practices.
• Experience working in high-volume or fast-paced environments.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of new and innovative food-to-go products from concept through to launch.
• Assist in recipe creation, refinement, and costings to meet quality and commercial targets.
• Prepare and present samples for internal reviews, customer presentations, and product submissions.
• Conduct kitchen trials and support factory trials to ensure successful scale-up into production.
• Maintain accurate documentation including recipes, specifications, and trial records.
• Work closely with Technical, Production, and Procurement teams to ensure feasibility and compliance.
• Ensure all development work meets food safety, quality, and technical standards.
• Monitor food trends, competitor products, and market insights to inspire innovation.
• Support continuous improvement of existing products and processes.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and efficient development kitchen.

Skills

Food product development

Teamwork

Time management

Attention to detail

Job description

Simply Lunch is a rapidly growing, private family-owned food-to-go manufacturer based in London. Our commitment to delicious food and our local communities has been central to our South London business since it was founded in 1979. Today, we are as committed as ever to creating high-quality hand-crafted products, made to improve lives and protect our beautiful planet. All our food is handmade at our facility in South London with the same care, love and admiration that we’ve shown since day one. Our talented team fuels the success at Simply Lunch, combining expertise and passion to craft products that improve lives through delicious food.

The Role

This is an exciting, hands-on role where you’ll support the development of innovative food-to-go products, helping bring new ideas to life from concept through to launch.

You’ll work closely with the NPD team, chefs, and cross-functional departments to ensure products are not only delicious and on-trend, but also commercially viable and scalable for production. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have a passion for food innovation, this could be the perfect opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development of new and innovative food-to-go products from concept through to launch
• Assist in recipe creation, refinement, and costings to meet quality and commercial targets
• Prepare and present samples for internal reviews, customer presentations, and product submissions
• Conduct kitchen trials and support factory trials to ensure successful scale-up into production
• Maintain accurate documentation including recipes, specifications, and trial records
• Work closely with Technical, Production, and Procurement teams to ensure feasibility and compliance
• Ensure all development work meets food safety, quality, and technical standards
• Monitor food trends, competitor products, and market insights to inspire innovation
• Support continuous improvement of existing products and processes
• Maintain a clean, organised, and efficient development kitchen

What We’re Looking For

Experience & Qualifications:

• Experience in a professional kitchen or food manufacturing environment
• Exposure to product development or strong interest in NPD
• Understanding of food safety, quality standards, and kitchen best practices
• Experience working in high-volume or fast-paced environments

Key Skills:

• Passion for food and innovation
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Attention to detail and a quality-focused mindset
• Ability to adapt and work in a fast-moving environment
• Creative approach to food development
• Problem-solving mindset and willingness to learn

What You’ll Get in Return

At Simply Lunch, we believe our people are at the heart of our success. We’re committed to creating an environment where you can thrive, grow, and genuinely enjoy coming to work.

• Free lunch and beverages every day
• Regular social events - from summer & Christmas parties to BBQs, pizza days, sweet treats, and even ice cream vans
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• A clear commitment to helping you progress your career
• Cash plan and financial wellbeing support
• Discounted car repairs and MOT
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Access to mental health champions
• Wellbeing and support services
• 30 days annual leave
• One paid charity day each year to support a cause you care about
• Long service awards to celebrate your commitment

Why Join Us?

This is more than just a role, it’s an opportunity to be part of a growing, ambitious business where you can develop your skills, contribute to exciting product innovation, and build a long-term career within food manufacturing.

Diversity and Inclusion

Like many other organisations, we are considering with renewed focus what Diversity means to us. What may have been acceptable a short time ago is not sufficient for the future, so we are dedicating a lot of time and resources to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected, especially those who are often excluded or underrepresented. If you feel that you do not see yourself represented either in this sector or in this professional area because of any part of your identity that makes you unique, we would especially like to hear from you.