Junior Food Development Chef

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

Job summary

A leading company in the restaurant sector is seeking a Junior Food Development Chef for a 12-15 month interim position. This role involves supporting the development of new dishes, collaborating with suppliers, and contributing to training materials. Ideal candidates will have a passion for food development and 1-2 years of relevant experience, with opportunities for career advancement.

Benefits

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Life assurance & income protection

Dining discounts

Ongoing learning & development

Free coffee, breakfast, and lunch treats

Qualifications

• 1–2 years' experience in culinary, NPD, QA, or operations roles.
• Experience in a commercial or test kitchen beneficial.
• Knowledge of allergen legislation and food data systems.

Responsibilities

• Support in creating and testing new dishes.
• Lead food showcases and tastings.
• Manage and update food systems.

Skills

Communication

Detail-oriented

Organized

Excel proficiency

Food tech systems proficiency

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 Italian culture and committed to community, sustainability, and quality. Our aim is to create a welcoming environment where guests can relax and enjoy authentic Italian cuisine.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Food Development Manager in creating, testing, and developing new dishes and kitchen processes.
• Lead food showcases and tastings, presenting new dishes to senior management.
• Draft and proofread dish and prep specifications with Chef Trainers.
• Coordinate with suppliers for samples, product information, and testing yields.
• Manage and update food systems, including recipe databases and uploading new recipes.
• Address ingredient-related quality issues with suppliers.
• Collaborate with the QS team to input allergen and nutritional data, and manage label printing.
• Validate dish descriptions and pricing on digital and printed menus.
• Lead marketing photoshoots, organizing ingredients and prep requirements.
• Contribute to training materials and support operational training rollout.

Candidate Profile

• Proficient in Excel and food tech systems.
• Detail-oriented and organized.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Passionate about food development with confidence in recipe creation.
• Hands-on attitude with willingness to learn and improve.

Experience & Development

• 1–2 years' experience in culinary, NPD, QA, or operations roles.
• Experience in a commercial or test kitchen beneficial.
• Knowledge of allergen legislation and food data systems (training provided).
• Opportunity to advance into a Development Chef or NPD Manager role.

Additional Details

Location: Based in West London, 4 days/week at Spring Street restaurant and Azzurri Head Office, with 1 day/week remote option.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Life assurance & income protection
• Dining discounts
• Ongoing learning & development
• Free coffee, breakfast, and lunch treats