Junior NPD Chef: Creative Food Product Development

Manucomm Recruitment Ltd

Ivybridge

On-site

GBP 26,000 - 28,000

Full time

4 days ago

Be an early applicant

Application generator

Don’t send a generic resume — generate a resume and cover letter tailored to this exact role.

Get past ATS filters

Job summary

Award winning Food manufacturing company is seeking a Junior New Product Development Chef / NPD Assistant in Ivybridge. This hands-on role focuses on developing jams, chutneys, pickles and sauces from concept to launch, working with production to ensure quality, cost and commercial viability.

You will combine hands-on NPD kitchen work with recipe development, costing, factory trials and production setup, collaborating with NPD, Technical, Production, Purchasing, Sales and suppliers to meet

Qualifications

Experience in food manufacturing, NPD or catering.
Genuine passion for food with strong practical cooking ability.
Creative, methodical and highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
Strong communication, problem‑solving and time‑management skills.
Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word and Outlook.
Positive, proactive "can-do" attitude and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Experience conducting factory trials or product development.

Responsibilities

Develop and prepare new products and samples in the NPD kitchen.
Experiment with ingredients, recipes and production methods and improve existing products.
Maintain accurate recipes, development records and product information.
Complete product costings and coordinate approval of new ingredients and packaging.
Organise and support factory trials and product scale-up.
Work with Technical on specifications, labelling and customer information.
Liaise with suppliers to identify new and improved ingredients.
Work closely with Production to ensure products are practical and commercially viable.