Development Chef

Drnewitt; Warrenpoint; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Drnewitt is seeking a Development Chef to join a fast-paced, food-obsessed team in South County Down, Northern Ireland. This full-time role focuses on turning briefs into commercially viable products for UK Food to Go customers, from concept to launch.

You'll manage the development kitchen, mentor junior staff, lead NPD/EPD projects, source ingredients and packaging, and deliver customer samples and presentations while staying ahead of trends and market insights. UK driving license required.

Qualifications

• Experience in product development and costing.
• Strong culinary background and trend awareness.
• Confident communicator and presenter.
• Problem solver with a can-do attitude.
• Skilled in MS Office (PowerPoint, Excel, etc.).
• Passion for food and quality at every stage.

Responsibilities

• Turn product briefs into delicious, commercially viable products.
• Lead NPD/EPD projects from concept to launch.
• Source innovative ingredients and packaging.
• Deliver customer samples and lead presentations.
• Collaborate across teams to ensure smooth production.
• Stay on top of food trends and market insights.
• Manage the development kitchen and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Product development

Culinary expertise

Communication

Problem solving

MS Office

Quality focus

Job description

Job Description

Development Chef

Location: South County Down – Northern Ireland

Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday

Salary: up to £50,000

Full UK driving license

Are you a creative culinary thinker with a flair for turning food ideas into commercially viable products? I am collaborating with a food business who are looking for a Development Chef to join their fast-paced, food-obsessed team.

You’ll support the innovation process from concept to launch, creating products that not only taste amazing but also deliver for some of the UK’s biggest ‘Food to Go’ customers.

What You’ll Do:

• Turn product briefs into delicious, commercially viable products
• Lead NPD/EPD projects from concept to launch
• Source innovative ingredients and packaging
• Deliver customer samples and lead presentations
• Collaborate across teams to ensure smooth production
• Stay on top of food trends and market insights
• Manage the development kitchen and mentor junior staff

What You’ll Bring:

• Experience in product development and costing
• Strong culinary background and trend awareness
• Confident communicator and presenter
• Problem solver with a “can-do” attitude
• Skilled in MS Office (PowerPoint, Excel, etc.)
• Passion for food and quality at every stage

Ready to innovate, create, and lead?