Junior Food Development Chef

JR United Kingdom; Watford; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company invites applications for the role of Junior Food Development Chef, based in Watford, with responsibilities including dish development and stakeholder coordination. This full-time interim position offers various employee benefits including generous holiday allowances and ongoing learning opportunities.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Life assurance and income protection

50% off dining, 25% for family and friends

Ongoing learning and development opportunities

Free coffee, breakfast twice a week, and lunch treats

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Assist in creating, testing, and developing new dishes.
• Lead food showcases and tastings for senior management.
• Coordinate with suppliers for samples and product information.

Skills

Proficient in Excel

Food tech systems

Attention to detail

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Recipe creation

Job description

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Junior Food Development Chef, Watford, Hertfordshire

Location: Watford, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Views:

3

Posted:

04.06.2025

Expiry Date:

19.07.2025

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, dedicated to creating a welcoming environment where guests can relax and enjoy authentic Italian cuisine. We focus on building community, caring for the environment, and delivering quality food and service.

Role Overview

This role supports the delivery of innovative and delicious 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 kitchen-friendly menu execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in creating, testing, and developing new dishes, preparation methods, and kitchen processes.
• Lead food showcases and tastings, presenting new dishes to senior management.
• Draft and proofread dish and preparation specifications with Chef Trainers.
• Coordinate with suppliers for samples, product information, and yield testing to support innovation.
• Manage and update food systems, including recipe databases and new recipe uploads.
• Monitor ingredient quality issues and liaise with suppliers to resolve them.
• Input allergen and nutritional data into systems, maintain shelf life charts, and manage label printing databases.
• Validate dish information on digital platforms and printed menus in collaboration with marketing and sales teams.
• Coordinate with marketing for food photoshoots, organizing ingredients and prep requirements.
• Contribute to training materials and support operational training rollouts.

Candidate Profile

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

Experience & Development

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

Location: Based in West London, working 4 days a week split between ASK Italian Spring Street in Paddington and the Azzurri Head Office on Edgware Road, with one day remote work possible.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Life assurance and income protection
• 50% off dining, 25% for family and friends
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• Free coffee, breakfast twice a week, and lunch treats