Product Development Chef

pladis Foods Limited; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

pladis is seeking an entrepreneurial culinary specialist to translate global culinary trends into inspiring product concepts across sweet and savoury portfolios. You will work closely with chefs, flavour specialists and R&D scientists to create gold‑standard concepts and new innovation formats, driving hands‑on product creation and tastings.

This role involves regular travel to suppliers and trial sites within a dynamic, global food business.

Qualifications

• Proven qualifications in patisserie & bakery.
• Food safety qualifications.
• Passion for food, global cuisines and trends awareness.
• Strong communication skills and collaborative mindset.
• Creative, innovative with good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Self-motivated, independent, and able to work on the job.
• Full UK driving licence (travel).
• Basic IT skills – Microsoft Suite, content creation & digital storytelling.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on creation of new culinary products, working with senior chefs and flavour specialists.
• Support development of new product experiences for sweet and savoury projects.
• Compile culinary and flavour trend reports, product and cuisine showcases; bring culinary experiences to life.
• Plan events, arrange tastings, order samples, liaise with suppliers, attend factory trials, network within culinary landscapes.
• Maintain development facilities to safe, hygienic and lean standards, driving continuous improvement.

Skills

Communication skills

Collaborative mindset

Creative thinking

Attention to detail

Self-motivated

Independent work

Driving licence

IT skills

Education

Patisserie & bakery qualifications

Tools

Microsoft Office

Content creation

Digital storytelling

Job description

We’re looking for an entrepreneurial, purpose‑led culinary specialist to shape the future of food innovation and bring happiness to consumers.

Role Overview

This role involves translating global culinary trends and consumer needs into inspiring product experiences across sweet and savoury portfolios. The successful candidate will work closely with chefs, flavour specialists, and R&D scientists to create gold‑standard concepts and new innovation formats.

Key Responsibilities

• Hands‑on creation of new culinary products, working alongside senior chefs and flavour specialists to demonstrate winning experiences.
• Support development of new product experiences for sweet and savoury projects.
• Compile culinary and flavour trend reports, product and cuisine showcases, and bring culinary experiences & culture to life across the business.
• Plan events, arrange product tastings, order samples, liaise with suppliers, attend factory trials, and network within the culinary and foodservice landscapes.
• Maintain product development facilities to safe, hygienic and lean standards, driving continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Relevant qualifications in patisserie & bakery industry.
• Food safety qualifications.
• Passion for food, global cuisines and trends awareness.
• Strong communication skills and collaborative mindset.
• Creative, innovative with good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Self‑motivated, independent, and able to work on the job.
• Full UK driving licence (role involves regular travel).
• Basic IT skills – Microsoft Suite, content creation & digital storytelling.

Leadership Competencies

• Setting the Agenda: Think strategically, focus on innovation, solve problems, balance short‑term and long‑term priorities.
• Taking Others With Them: Champion collaboration, build inclusive, high‑performing teams across boundaries.
• Doing It Right: Deliver results, lead transformation projects in matrix organisations, manage multiple stakeholders.

EEO & Diversity Statement

pladis is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity of thinking and provide reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities. All positions are filled solely on qualifications, without regard to race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other protected class.