Development Chef: Create, Launch & Scale Menus

Odyssey; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Odyssey in London is seeking an experienced Development Chef to lead dish, menu and concept development from idea through testing, costing and rollout. This hands-on role combines high culinary standards with commercial and operational thinking.

You will work with Operations, Finance, Procurement, suppliers and clients to ensure scalable, consistent menus and training for new openings. A strong background in fine dining and high-volume hospitality is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in menu and concept development.
• Strong cost control, GP, yields and labour understanding.
• Experience across high-volume catering, luxury hotels, events, aviation or multi-site operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop new dishes, menus and concepts from idea through to launch.
• Lead recipe development, testing, costing and implementation.
• Manage GP, yields, waste, portion control and procurement.
• Factor labour, efficiency and scalability into menu development.
• Create recipes, specifications, allergens and production documentation.
• Lead menu rollouts and train teams to deliver consistently.
• Work closely with Operations, Finance, Procurement, suppliers and clients.
• Research food trends and develop commercially viable menus.
• Manage multiple projects with attention to detail.

Skills

Menu development

Food costing

Yield management

Michelin/fine dining

Operational thinking

Communication

Cross-department collaboration

Job description

Odyssey in London is seeking an experienced Development Chef to lead dish, menu and concept development from idea through testing, costing and rollout. This hands-on role combines high culinary standards with commercial and operational thinking.

You will work with Operations, Finance, Procurement, suppliers and clients to ensure scalable, consistent menus and training for new openings. A strong background in fine dining and high-volume hospitality is essential.