Junior Food Development Chef

JR United Kingdom; Bolton; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading restaurant group seeks a Junior Food Development Chef to support innovative dish development. This full-time role offers comprehensive training in recipe creation and food systems management within a growing culinary environment. Located in London, it blends restaurant and office work with opportunities for remote engagements.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Life assurance

Dining discounts

Ongoing learning opportunities

Free refreshments

Qualifications

• Experienced in food-related roles, particularly culinary or NPD.
• Familiar with food tech systems and allergen legislation.
• Detail-oriented and organized approach to food development.

Responsibilities

• Support in creating and testing new dishes.
• Manage and update food systems and recipe databases.
• Coordinate with suppliers and maintain ingredient quality.

Skills

Excel

Culinary creativity

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

1-2 years in a food-related role

Job description

Junior Food Development Chef - Interim (12-15 Month FTC, Maternity Cover)

Location: London

Contract: Full Time | 12-15 Month Fixed Term

Reports to: Food Development Manager

About ASK Italian

We are a large family of restaurants across the UK, inspired by the Italian way of life, committed to building a better business, strengthening communities, and caring for the planet.

Role Overview

This role supports the delivery of innovative dishes aligned with ASK Italian’s food vision. It combines culinary creativity with technical and administrative skills. The Junior Development Chef assists in recipe development, supports food systems, and collaborates cross-functionally to ensure data accuracy and practical menu execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Support in creating, testing, and developing new dishes and kitchen processes.
• Lead chef for food showcases and tastings, presenting to the Senior Team.
• Draft and proofread dish and prep specifications with Chef Trainers.
• Coordinate with suppliers for samples, product info, and testing.
• Manage and update food systems and recipe databases.
• Address ingredient quality issues with suppliers.
• Input allergen and nutritional data, maintain shelf life charts, and manage label printing.
• Validate dish information on digital platforms and menus.
• Lead marketing photoshoots for new ingredients and dishes.
• Contribute to training materials and support operational training rollout.

Candidate Profile

• Proficient in Excel and food tech systems.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and methodical.
• Strong communication skills and stakeholder engagement.
• Passionate about food development with growing recipe creation skills.
• Hands-on, eager to learn, test, and improve.

Experience & Development

• 1-2 years in a food-related role (culinary, NPD, QA, or operations).
• Experience in a commercial or test kitchen preferred.
• Knowledge of allergen legislation and food data systems (training provided).
• Potential to develop into a Development Chef or NPD Manager.

Location & Benefits

Based in West London, split between ASK Italian Spring Street restaurant in Paddington and the Azzurri Head Office on Edgware Road, with one day per week remote work. Benefits include 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, life assurance, dining discounts, ongoing learning, and free refreshments.