R&D Chef

Trades Workforce Solutions; Southall; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A major UK food group is seeking an experienced R&D Chef to lead product development from concept to launch. The role offers end-to-end NPD ownership, allowing you to influence the products sold at scale. Candidates should have a minimum of 3 years' experience in the culinary field and possess strong skills in recipe costing and commercial thinking. If you are passionate about food trends and innovation, looking for a structured career path, this position could offer a significant impact in your future career.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ experience as a Chef or equivalent food background.
• Strong food passion and ingredient knowledge.
• Organised, detail-driven, and comfortable working cross-functionally.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end NPD ownership including recipes, costings, trials, and launch.
• Work closely with chefs, commercial teams, operations, and customers.
• Influence on products sold at scale.

Skills

Recipe costing

Ingredient knowledge

Commercial thinking

Job description

Overview

R&D CHEF | UK-WIDE FOOD GROUP

Hands-on chef ready to step into product development?

I’m recruiting an R&D Chef for a major UK food group with sites nationwide. This is a front-line, commercial role where you’ll take ideas from concept to launch — developing recipes that actually make it to market.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end NPD ownership (recipes, costings, trials, launch)
• Real influence on products sold at scale
• Work closely with chefs, commercial, operations & customers
• Exposure to food trends, innovation and large-scale manufacturing
• Stable, well-invested business with clear growth plans

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ experience as a Chef (or equivalent food background)
• Strong food passion + ingredient knowledge
• Confident with recipe costing & commercial thinking
• Organised, detail-driven, and comfortable working cross-functionally
• Curious about trends and innovation, not stuck on the pass

Location: London

Career move: Kitchen → NPD → long-term progression

If you’re a chef who wants impact, structure, and a future beyond service, this is worth a conversation.