Development Chef (9 month FTC)

Our Vacancies; Wisbech; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food manufacturing company in Wisbech is seeking a passionate Development Chef for a 9-month FTC. You will develop innovative food concepts and recipes, support the NPD process, and collaborate with various teams. Ideal candidates require industry-recognised qualifications and a minimum of 3 years' experience in a food manufacturing environment. Showcase your culinary creativity in an exciting environment where your ideas shape the future of products.

Benefits

Dynamic work environment

Supportive leadership team

Qualifications

• Experienced Chef with industry-recognised qualifications.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Strong creative flair and genuine passion for food.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative food concepts and recipes.
• Support NPD process from concept to launch.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Creative flair

Self-motivated

Organisational skills

Collaborative communication

Education

Industry-recognised qualifications (e.g. NVQ, City & Guilds)

Job description

Job: Development Chef (9 month FTC)

Location: Wisbech (with travel other sites as required)

We are seeking a passionate and driven Development Chef to join our innovative team. This role offers an exciting opportunity for a talented culinary professional to apply their creativity and technical expertise within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

Working closely with our Senior Development Chef and Head Chef, you will play a key role in developing new and inspiring food concepts, supporting kitchen trials, and contributing to the continuous evolution of our product range.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop innovative food concepts and recipes in line with customer briefs and market trends.
• Support the NPD process from concept to launch, ensuring high culinary and quality standards.
• Work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams including Technical, Process, and Commercial.
• Attend customer presentations and contribute to showcasing new ideas and developments.
• Provide culinary support during factory trials and product scale‑up.
• Maintain an up‑to‑date understanding of market and food trends.

About You:

• Experienced Chef with industry‑recognised qualifications (e.g. NVQ, City & Guilds or equivalent).
• Minimum 3 years’ experience within a food manufacturing environment.
• Strong creative flair with a genuine passion for innovation and food trends.
• Self‑motivated and organised, with the ability to work independently and within a team structure.
• Confident communicator with a collaborative approach.
• Flexible to travel, particularly to our Kiveton site and occasionally to other northern locations for trials, meetings, or customer presentations.

Why Join Us?

This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a dynamic and growing food business, where your ideas and culinary talent will help shape the future of our products. You’ll be supported by an experienced leadership team and have the freedom to bring your creativity to life.