Junior Food Development Chef

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

Job summary

A prestigious restaurant group in the UK seeks a Junior Food Development Chef for a 12-15 month maternity cover. The role entails supporting the creation of innovative dishes, managing recipe databases, and ensuring quality standards while fostering a collaborative environment. Ideal for a passionate individual with experience in food and a desire to learn.

Benefits

25 days holiday

Life assurance

Dining discounts

Ongoing learning

Free coffee and meals

Qualifications

• 1–2 years in a food-related role.
• Experience in kitchen or test kitchen beneficial.
• Understanding of allergen legislation and food data systems.

Responsibilities

• Assist in creating, testing, and developing new dishes.
• Lead food showcases and tastings.
• Manage samples and collect product information.

Skills

Communication

Attention to Detail

Organization

Food Development

Recipe Creation

Tools

Excel

Food Tech Systems

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

The Junior Development Chef supports the delivery of innovative dishes aligning with ASK Italian’s food vision. Responsibilities include recipe development, supporting food systems, and collaborating cross-functionally to ensure data integrity and kitchen-friendly menu execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in creating, testing, and developing new dishes, prep methods, and kitchen processes.
• Lead food showcases and tastings, presenting new dishes to the Senior Team.
• Draft and proofread dish and prep specifications with Chef Trainers.
• Manage samples, collect product info, and test yields with suppliers.
• Update and manage the recipe database and food systems.
• Address ingredient-related quality issues with suppliers.
• Input allergen and nutritional data, create shelf life charts, and manage label printing.
• Validate dish details on digital and print menus.
• Organize ingredients and prep for marketing photoshoots.
• Support training materials and rollout.

Candidate Profile

• Proficient in Excel and food tech systems.
• Organized with attention to detail.
• Effective communicator with stakeholder engagement skills.
• Passionate about food development, recipe creation, and kitchen systems.
• Willing to learn, test, and improve.

Experience & Development

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

Location & Benefits

Based in West London, with four days in the restaurant and one from home. Benefits include 25 days holiday, life assurance, dining discounts, ongoing learning, and free coffee and meals.