Innovation Development Chef

Hunter Savage; Newry; On-site; GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An established food manufacturer in Newry is seeking a Food Innovation Chef to drive product development from concept to launch. This role involves translating product briefs into recipes, driving innovation in new and existing products, and engaging with customers. The ideal candidate will have a strong passion for food, experience in product development, and excellent communication skills. Competitive salary of £45,000 offered.

Qualifications

• Strong passion for food and keen eye on consumer and market trends.
• Proven track record in product development from brief to launch, within budget.
• Ability to leverage networks within the food industry for projects.

Responsibilities

• Translate product briefs into commercially viable recipes.
• Initiate new product projects and refine product quality.
• Create costings and manage sample preparations for presentations.

Skills

Passion for food

Product development experience

Networking in the food industry

Problem-solving ability

Communication skills

Analytical ability

Proficiency in MS Office

Job description

Job Title: Food Innovation Chef
Location: Newry
Salary: £45,000

The Opportunity

An established food manufacturer is seeking a Food Innovation Chef to drive its Food on the Move product development strategy. Reporting to the Head of Food Innovation & Development, you’ll lead the creation of new, market-relevant products from concept to launch—delivering on time, on budget, and to exceptional quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Product Development: Translate product briefs into commercially viable recipes, balancing ingredient quality, cost, and production constraints.

• Innovation & Improvement: Initiate new product (NPD) and existing product (EPD) projects, continually challenging and refining product quality.

• Collaboration: Work closely with the wider NPD team through the stage-gate process, sharing concept snapshots early to pre-empt issues.

• Costing & Sampling: Create initial costings and manage sample preparation and documentation for customer presentations.

• Training & Trials: Train production staff to Quality Attribute Standards (QAS) and oversee production trials to sign off mixes and assembly.

• Ingredient & Packaging Sourcing: Identify unique, high-quality ingredients and packaging solutions that elevate both product visuals and eating experience.

• Customer Engagement: Present concepts to key accounts, represent the business at trade shows and customer visits, and ensure the on-site food truck showcases the brand at its best.

• Market Awareness: Monitor consumer trends and emerging concepts to keep the product portfolio ahead of the curve.

• Team Leadership: Manage the day-to-day operations of the development kitchen and guide the development team.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Strong passion for food and a keen eye on consumer and market trends.

• Proven track record in product development, from brief to launch, within budget.

• Well-connected within the food industry, with the ability to leverage networks for projects.

• Problem-solving mindset and “can-do” attitude.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills; confident in customer-facing situations.

• Analytical ability to turn data and insight into winning concepts.

• Proficiency with MS Office (including PowerPoint) and relevant development or costing software.