Development Chef (NPD)

Cutter & Squidge; Brentford; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

31 days annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

Company pension scheme

Birthday cake day off

40% product discount

Job summary

Cutter & Squidge is seeking a Development Chef to lead new product development in our Brentford bakery. You’ll work hands-on from concept to launch, refining recipes and ensuring accuracy at every stage.

You’ll collaborate with Technical and Production teams and train staff on new recipes to scale up. The role requires practical NPD experience in a bakery or food manufacturing environment, with a focus on production scaling and detailed documentation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience taking products from concept through to launch.
• Formal qualification in culinary arts, baking, or patisserie preferred but hands-on production experience is essential.
• Confident with Excel and costing software; keep recipes and specs well organized.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine new recipes and troubleshoot product issues.
• Manage recipes, update product specifications, and maintain documentation for launches.

Skills

NPD experience

Bakery production

Excel

Costing software

Communication

Education

Culinary arts qualification

Tools

Food management tools

Job description

About The Role

Reporting to the Head of Product, the Development Chef is responsible for the development of new products and the improvement of our existing range. You'll be a key part of our NPD team, working hands-on to manage products from initial concept to a successful launch. You will also be required to:

• Develop and refine new recipes, and help troubleshoot product issues based on feedback or production inconsistencies.
• Develop new products to brief, ensuring accuracy and consistency at every stage.
• Research food baking trends and competitor products.
• Manage recipes, update product specifications, and maintain accurate documentation for each product launch, keeping costings and records up to date at every stage.
• Assist with factory trials, pre-productions, and launches.
• Represent the NPD team at taste panels and work closely with our Technical and Production teams. You will also work alongside our production team members to understand how products are made, train them clearly on new recipes, and adapt recipes for scale-up.

About You

• Proven NPD experience within a bakery or food manufacturing environment involving production and scaling is essential, with a minimum of 2 years' experience taking products from concept through to launch.
• A formal qualification in culinary arts, baking, or patisserie is preferred, but hands-on experience in a professional kitchen or production style bakery is a must.
• Confident with Excel and other food management or costing software, with a genuine interest in using tools that keep recipes, specs and documentation organised and easy for others to follow.
• An understanding of production and scaling is required, along with experience training a production team on new recipes.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and planning skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• You are proactive about getting hands‑on with our production team and you thrive in a busy, fast‑paced environment.
• You can manage a busy diary and plan your time effectively to deliver on both production needs and development projects.
• You are a clear communicator with a positive, can‑do attitude.
• You have a passion for the bakery industry.

Additional Information

• This is an on‑site role, located at our Brentford Production Bakery, with free on‑site parking available too.
• 40% team discount across our product range both online and in‑store.
• You'll get 31 days of paid annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays.
• Access to our company pension scheme; 5% from you and 3% from us.
• Private Medical Insurance with Vitality Healthcare, providing you with a range of health and wellness services to support your well‑being.
• Celebrate your birthday with a handmade birthday cake and enjoy the day off in addition to annual leave.
• Beyond statutory sick pay, we provide 3 days of full paid sick leave each year.
• Prioritise your well‑being with dedicated leave for a 'Slice of Calm' day, there when you need it most.

About Us

Cutter & Squidge is a sister‑run bakery with a passion for creating utterly indulgent treats that are as delightful to look at as they are to devour. From our West London bakery we hand craft a range of cakes, brownies, biskies and more; sourcing only the best natural and sustainable ingredients. We combine the best of classic baking with new and exciting flavours to create unique, memorable gifting moments and believe there's always a new flavour to discover, a new design to unveil and a new smile to be had!

Regularly featuring in Good Housekeeping awards, Cutter & Squidge was named one of Britain's fastest‑growing private companies by the Sunday Times 100 in 2023 and awarded 'Online Bakery of the Year 2024' at the Bakery Industry Awards.

Please Note:

We are unable to offer Visa sponsorship for this role. You must already hold the right to work in the UK without employer sponsorship. We are unable to consider applications from candidates requiring visa sponsorship.

Cutter & Squidge is an equal opportunities employer. We're committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.