Product Development Chef, Product Development Chef

Pilgrim's Europe; Grantham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in food and beverage manufacturing is seeking a Product Development Chef to join their Grantham site. This role involves developing new products from concept to launch, managing recipe costs, and collaborating with various teams to ensure product viability. The ideal candidate will have a passion for food, excellent communication skills, and relevant experience in the culinary arts.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years’ experience as a Chef or equivalent in food industry.
• Experience in product/menu costing.
• Sourcing ingredients and supply chain experience.

Responsibilities

• Own recipe development, including recipe cost, on specific projects.
• Support Senior Chef in packaging development and costs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams during development.

Skills

Project management

Ingredient knowledge

Communication

Education

Relevant industry qualifications

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Product Development Chef, Product Development Chef

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We have an exciting opportunity to join the Pilgrims Europe Product & Innovation team with a vacancy for a Research & Development Chef based at our Grantham site.

This role will work closely with the R&D Manager and Senior Chefs to nurture a food culture aligned with our goal to become a world-class food company. The successful candidate will develop new products from concept to launch, creating a unique portfolio of recipes valued by customers, supporting business growth and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Own recipe development, including recipe cost, on specific projects using Recipe Professor.
• Support Senior Chef in packaging development and costs via Central Innovation Manager.
• Prepare product costings to meet MSP targets and analyze business implications from commercial and manufacturing perspectives.
• Provide product samples for internal and external meetings.
• Manage uploading of costing request forms to the Product Costing & Insight (PC&I) Portal.
• Stay updated on food trends to inform future NPD or innovation projects.
• Maintain the NPD kitchen to a Gold Standard and support digital COSHH management for chemicals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams during development and early gate stages to discuss new products, raw materials, processing, and packaging.
• Work closely with PC&I / Commercial teams to ensure products are commercially viable, submitting costing files at least 48 hours prior to deadlines.
• Build relationships with retailers, ensuring customer care and adherence to Pilgrims Europe’s vision and values.

Skills and Qualifications

• At least 3 years’ experience as a Chef or equivalent in food industry.
• Experience in product/menu costing.
• Sourcing ingredients and supply chain experience.
• Project management skills.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
• Ingredient knowledge and passion for food.
• Relevant industry qualifications or experience.
• Valid UK driving license.

This role suits someone passionate about culinary arts with relevant restaurant or hospitality experience, excellent communication skills, and ability to multitask.

Additional Details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Management and Manufacturing
• Industry: Food and Beverage Manufacturing