Senior Development Chef: Lead Culinary Innovation

Ruth Wagstaff Recruitment Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company car

Mileage and business travel covered

Private medical benefits

Company pension

Job summary

Ruth Wagstaff Recruitment Ltd is seeking a Senior Development Chef for a major premium food and hospitality business in West London. You will drive culinary development, lead client tastings, and manage high-volume production projects across international markets.

This pivotal role acts as number two in the development function, bringing structure, organisation and fresh thinking to a seasoned culinary team. Expect travel and a clear path to senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Senior Development Chef or senior culinary professional.
• Experience in contract catering, events, food manufacturing, or large-scale hospitality.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Experience with menu development and food costing.
• Confident presenting to senior clients.
• Comfortable with systems, specifications and documentation.
• Willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the development kitchen and team.
• Manage multiple culinary projects simultaneously.
• Lead major client tastings and presentations.
• Support menu development and innovation.
• Work with commercial and costing teams.
• Coordinate recipes, specifications and development systems.
• Support tenders and new business opportunities.
• Represent the culinary team with senior clients.
• Help develop and train production teams.
• Bring greater structure to development processes.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu development

Food costing

Client presentations

Project coordination

Job description

Ruth Wagstaff Recruitment Ltd is seeking a Senior Development Chef for a major premium food and hospitality business in West London. You will drive culinary development, lead client tastings, and manage high-volume production projects across international markets.

This pivotal role acts as number two in the development function, bringing structure, organisation and fresh thinking to a seasoned culinary team. Expect travel and a clear path to senior leadership.