Junior Culinary Assistant - Leeds

Arla Foods A.m.b.a; Leeds; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days holiday + Bank Holidays

Matched pension contributions up to 6%

Life assurance

Flexible benefits

Job summary

Arla is seeking a Junior Culinary Lead based in Leeds Head Office to support the UK Foodservice team. You will collaborate with our UK Culinary Lead Chef on product launches, recipe development and customer demonstrations.

This 12-month FTC offers structured training, mentoring and exposure to foodservice strategy, with travel across the UK, opportunities to develop commercial and culinary skills, and a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• A recognised culinary qualification is essential.
• Professional kitchen experience is essential.
• A passion for food and eagerness to learn and develop.

Responsibilities

• Build strong relationships with customers and support Key Account Managers by understanding culinary needs and identifying growth opportunities across organised chains, wholesale, QSR, FSR and pub channels.
• Deliver engaging customer experiences through presentations, product demonstrations, tastings and customer meetings that showcase the value and functionality of the Arla portfolio.
• Support culinary innovation by contributing to product testing, recipe development and innovation projects, while gathering food trends and customer insights to help shape future opportunities.
• Represent the business at trade shows, customer visits and internal showcases across the UK, helping to bring the Foodservice strategy to life and strengthen customer engagement.
• Work across teams to support content creation, build knowledge of product functionality and develop a strong understanding of commercial foodservice operations.

Skills

Culinary qualifications

Kitchen operations

Customer engagement

Job description

Junior Culinary Lead (12 month FTC), Arla – Leeds Head Office

Looking for your first step into a commercial culinary career where your ideas, passion and expertise can make a real impact?

As Junior Culinary Lead, you'll work alongside our UK Culinary Lead Chef to bring culinary innovation to life for customers across the UK Foodservice market. From supporting product launches and recipe development to delivering customer demonstrations and identifying emerging food trends, this is an exciting opportunity to combine your culinary expertise with commercial exposure and develop the foundations for a long-term career within Arla. This is a 12-month FTC based in Leeds with regular UK travel and overnight stays.

Read more about ARLA here https://www.arla.com/company/job-and-career/inside-arla/

How you will make an impact

Working as part of the UK Foodservice team, you will support the delivery of our culinary strategy, in one of the fastest-growing channels within Arla. Working closely with our UK Culinary Lead Chef, you will help bring our products and innovations to life for customers while building valuable commercial and culinary experience.

• Build strong relationships with customers and support Key Account Managers by understanding culinary needs and identifying growth opportunities across organised chains, wholesale, QSR, FSR and pub channels.
• Deliver engaging customer experiences through presentations, product demonstrations, tastings and customer meetings that showcase the value and functionality of the Arla portfolio.
• Support culinary innovation by contributing to product testing, recipe development and innovation projects, while gathering food trends and customer insights to help shape future opportunities.
• Represent the business at trade shows, customer visits and internal showcases across the UK, helping to bring the Foodservice strategy to life and strengthen customer engagement.
• Work across teams to support content creation, build knowledge of product functionality and develop a strong understanding of commercial foodservice operations.

What will make you successful

We're looking for a qualified chef or culinary professional early in their career who is eager to develop commercial experience while strengthening culinary credentials. A recognised culinary qualification, professional kitchen experience and a passion for food are essential, with eagerness to learn and develop into a future culinary leader. A solid understanding of food preparation techniques and kitchen operations is key to helping you thrive in this role.

A UK driving license is preferred but not essential due to regular travel across the UK. This may include overnight stays where necessary, therefore please consider if this is something you are comfortable with when applying for the role. You’ll bring strong organisational skills, attention to detail and a collaborative approach to working with others. You enjoy working in fast-paced environments, can adapt to changing priorities and are confident building relationships with both colleagues and customers.

What do we offer?

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing Foodservice business where you will receive structured training, mentoring and ongoing support from our UK Culinary Lead Chef. You will gain exposure to customer engagement, foodservice strategy, innovation processes and commercial decision-making while developing your presenting and stakeholder management skills.

We’re committed to supporting your growth and development, offering internal and external training opportunities. You’ll enjoy a competitive salary, 26 days of holiday plus Bank Holidays, matched pension contributions up to 6%, life assurance, and flexible benefits.

Application deadline: 30th September 2026.

Shape the Future of Dairy

Arla is a global leader in the dairy industry, committed to enabling good food choices that make life better, providing people with nourishment, while taking care at every step to ensure Arla is a choice they can feel good about. If you are looking to shape the future with an ambitious global cooperative that truly cares about your growth, where everyone feels valued and empowered, and collaboration is the core of culture, Arla is a choice you can feel good about.