Development Chef / R&D Chef

COREcruitment; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in food industry is seeking a Development Chef to create innovative, cost-effective menus for high-volume catering environments. The ideal candidate will have a strong culinary background and experience in food development. The role requires strong commercial acumen, excellent culinary skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. The position offers a salary package between SAR35-40k pm plus a bonus scheme.

Qualifications

• Strong culinary background with fine dining experience and food development.
• Experience as Development Chef, Executive Chef, or R&D Chef.
• Knowledge of high-volume catering processes and production kitchen systems.

Responsibilities

• Create, test, and roll out innovative menus for high-volume catering.
• Ensure dishes comply with nutritional and food safety standards.
• Collaborate with Culinary Team, Chefs, and Procurement.

Skills

Culinary expertise

Menu engineering

Food safety knowledge

Strong communication skills

Innovation in food trends

Job description

Very excited to be working with this food focused Group who are looking for Development Chefs to strengthen their team - this role would ideally be based in Riyadh initially!

As Development Chef, you will work hand in hand with the Culinary Team, Chefs, Procurement and Training divisions. The Development Chef is responsible for creating, testing, and rolling out innovative, cost-effective menus tailored for high-volume catering environments. This role combines culinary expertise with strong commercial awareness to ensure dishes are operationally efficient, scalable, compliant with nutritional and food-safety standards, and aligned with brand and client expectations.

What we want from you:

• Strong all round culinary background, ideally from a fine dining background and then into Food Development / R&D role
• Proven experience as a Development Chef, Executive Chef, or R&D Chef in a food focused group / airline caterer / hotel or restaurant group / high end supermarket brand
• Strong knowledge of high-volume catering processes, batch cooking, and production kitchen systems.
• Excellent culinary skills with a passion for innovation and trend awareness.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in costing, yield management, and menu engineering.
• Ability to translate creative ideas into scalable, operationally viable solutions.
• Strong communication, presentation, and training skills.
• Knowledge of food safety legislation, HACCP, allergens, and nutrition.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Skilled Chef who is passionate about great food, healthy eating and current food trends
• Ability to travel regionally and internationally
• Gulf experience is not needed for this role

Salary Package Offered: SAR35-40k pm all inclusive plus bonus scheme

Get in touch: [e-mail]