NPD Development Chef — Culinary Innovator for New Food Solutions

Vincere; Lurgan; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Avondale Foods is seeking an experienced NPD Development Chef to research and develop new food products aligned with customer needs and strategic plans. You will lead culinary innovation, work with customers, and translate insights into viable product concepts.

You will collaborate with the development team, manage timelines, and ensure high standards of quality, hygiene and food safety across all stages of product development.

Qualifications

• Culinary background with strong flavour and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to develop new food products from concept to factory production.
• Understanding of large-scale food production, equipment, and production constraints.
• Ability to create scalable recipes with accurate ingredients, yields and parameters.
• Experience translating kitchen recipes to factory-scale formulations.
• Good knowledge of HACCP, allergen management and food safety controls.
• Understanding shelf life, ingredient functionality, packaging and product specs.

Responsibilities

• Interpret customer development briefs to meet expectations and business plans.
• Develop innovative, commercially viable recipes for new products.
• Prepare and cook prototypes for customer sampling and tastings.
• Assist with customer presentations and product submissions.

Skills

Culinary expertise

NPD development

Manufacturing knowledge

Recipe formulation

Scale-up

Food safety (HACCP)

Technical awareness

Education

Food technology qualification (HNC/HND/Degree)

Job description

Avondale Foods is seeking an experienced NPD Development Chef to research and develop new food products aligned with customer needs and strategic plans. You will lead culinary innovation, work with customers, and translate insights into viable product concepts.

You will collaborate with the development team, manage timelines, and ensure high standards of quality, hygiene and food safety across all stages of product development.