Development Chef

Cranswick Plc; Preston; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Share Save Scheme

28 days annual leave

On-site canteen

Staff discounts

Job summary

Cranswick Plc is seeking a Senior Development Chef at its Preston site near Hull (HU12 8TB) to lead Fresh Pork culinary innovation from concept to launch. You will manage the NPD Chef, align with customers and Cranswick standards, and drive projects across cross-functional teams.

The role requires strong trend insight, exceptional flavour knowledge and the ability to deliver multiple projects on time. A Full UK driving licence and a passion for food is essential.

Qualifications

• Lead Fresh Pork culinary innovation and develop products from concept to launch.
• Identify trends through market insights and consumer behaviour to spot opportunities.
• Coach and develop the NPD Chef and wider team to meet timelines and standards.
• Ensure developments meet customer, commercial, nutritional, technical and food safety requirements.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with customers and internal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Fresh Pork culinary innovation plan and proactive pipeline.
• Act as site culinary lead with expertise in flavour development and product innovation.
• Develop new and existing products from concept to launch.
• Deliver innovation sessions, tastings and customer workshops.
• Collaborate with customers, suppliers and cross-functional teams on briefs and launches.

Skills

Food safety level 3+

Culinary leadership

Flavour development

Project management

Driving licence

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Development Chef at our Preston site near Hull (HU12 8TB). Reporting to the NPD Controller, you will lead Fresh Pork culinary innovation, develop products from concept to launch, and manage an NPD Chef. You will ensure products meet customer and Cranswick expectations, technical and operational requirements, and critical timelines for a successful cross-functional launch. Main duties include (but not limited to):

• Lead and communicate the Fresh Pork culinary innovation plan, developing a proactive pipeline aligned with consumer trends, category opportunities and business strategy.
• Act as the site's culinary lead, bringing expertise in food trends, flavour development and product innovation.
• Monitor restaurants, retail, social media, competitor activity and consumer behaviour to identify emerging trends and commercially viable product opportunities.
• Lead the development of innovative new and existing products from concept through to launch.
• Deliver innovation sessions, food safaris, supplier showcases and inspiring product presentations for customers and internal stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with customers, suppliers and cross-functional teams to shape briefs and deliver commercially successful products.
• Build strategic supplier relationships and identify new ingredients, materials and culinary techniques that support innovation.
• Lead, coach and develop the NPD Chef, setting clear priorities and encouraging best practice across the wider NPD team.
• Ensure developments meet customer, commercial, nutritional, technical, operational, food safety and business requirements.
  Strong food trend, consumer insight and flavour knowledge, with a passion for food, innovation and exceptional eating experiences (Essential).
• Customer presentation and innovation workshop leadership, with credible communication and influencing skills at all business levels (Essential).
• Commercial awareness, strong organisation and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities across NPD processes and factory implementation (Essential).
• Coaching, mentoring or people-management experience, plus a Level 3+ Food Safety qualification (Desirable).
• Full UK driving licence (Essential).
  Cranswick is a leading UK food producer with revenues approaching £2.9 billion, supplying premium food to major UK retailers, foodservice and global customers.
  Competitive salary - to be discussed at application / interview stage
• Job stability at a growing and expanding company
• Commitment to progression and development through internal and externally accredited training
• Company pension scheme with enhanced contributions - matched up to 10%
• Participation in our Share Save Scheme, offering discounted company share purchases
• 28 days annual leave entitlement (inclusive of bank holidays)
• New canteen providing fresh breakfast and lunch options
• Membership discounts at high street stores and supermarkets through our discount portal