Development Chef - Exclusive

Zest Recruitment; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A food business in the East Midlands is seeking an experienced NPD Development Chef. This full-time, permanent role involves working hands-on in the development kitchen to create innovative food products for casual dining and B2B sectors. The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of NPD experience and formal chef qualifications. A competitive salary, pension, 20 days holiday, and training opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Pension

20 days holiday plus bank holidays

Free on-site parking

Ongoing training and development

Qualifications

• At least 2 years in NPD food manufacturing.
• Solid understanding of food safety and commercial kitchen practices.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a team-oriented approach.

Responsibilities

• Develop commercially viable recipes for clients.
• Present new concepts and trends to clients.
• Work in the development kitchen supporting client presentations.

Skills

Creativity

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Excellent communication

Education

City & Guilds Level 2 or equivalent

Job description

Are you a creative chef with a passion for innovation? We're looking for an NPD Development Chef to join a growing food business supplying casual dining, pub group, QSR and B2B manufacturing sectors. This is a hands‑on role, working in the development kitchen, supporting client presentations and creating exciting, on‑trend food products.

You'll collaborate with cross‑functional teams to develop commercially viable recipes, present new concepts to clients, and keep up with market and consumer trends. Attention to detail, strong organisational skills and confidence in presenting to customers are essential.

The ideal candidate will have at least a couple of years in NPD food manufacturing, along with formal chef qualifications (City & Guilds Level 2 or equivalent) and a solid understanding of food safety and commercial kitchen practices. You'll need excellent communication skills, the ability to manage multiple projects and a proactive, team‑oriented approach.

In return, you'll join a supportive, family‑run business offering a competitive salary, pension, 20 days holiday plus bank holidays, free on‑site parking and ongoing training and development opportunities.

This is a full‑time, permanent, site‑based role. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK. If you have the relevant experience, please call Nicola on 01780 483 999 or email your updated CV to [e-mail].

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