Development Chef – NPD & Innovation Lead

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

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.