Senior Development Chef - Own Brand

Booker; Northampton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food wholesaler in the UK is seeking a Senior Development Chef to drive culinary innovation. You will develop standout products, engage stakeholders, and shape trends in food quality and safety. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in both hospitality and food manufacturing. This role offers the chance to work in a dynamic environment with a commitment to diversity and flexible working.

Qualifications

• Proven expertise as a Development Chef in hospitality and food manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of UK food service and hospitality trends.
• Ability to manage multiple projects under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Develop and launch innovative food concepts.
• Shape point of view on culinary trends with a focus on quality and safety.
• Host product-led events and presentations.

Skills

Culinary skills

Commercial acumen

Market insight

Influential communication

Job description

We are searching for a Senior Development Chef to join our team at Booker. Are you ready to bring bold culinary ideas to life? In this role, you’ll be the driving force behind our Own Brand food innovation—turning trends into irresistible products that customers love. You’ll work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, blending creativity with commercial thinking to elevate our brand and set new standards in food excellence.

Responsibilities

• Creating standout products: Develop and launch innovative food concepts from initial idea through to commercial success.
• Leading food culture: Shape our point of view on culinary trends and champion quality, safety, and integrity at every stage.
• Engaging stakeholders: Host inspiring product-led events and presentations that showcase our vision and excite internal and external partners.
• Driving collaboration: Partner with buying, marketing, and commercial teams to ensure smooth rollouts and alignment with business strategy.

Qualifications

• Proven expertise as a Development Chef in both hospitality and food manufacturing.
• Exceptional culinary skills and a passion for food and drink innovation.
• Market insight: Strong understanding of UK food service and hospitality trends.
• Commercial acumen: Ability to balance creativity with cost-effectiveness and manage multiple projects under pressure.
• Influential communication: Confidence in presenting, engaging stakeholders, and leading food-led events.

Booker is the UK's leading food & drink wholesaler. We are privileged to serve independent retailers, caterers and small businesses, from locations across the country. We operate over 190 cash and carry branches, eight distribution centres, five Best Food Logistics sites, as well as six support centre locations across the UK.

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) at Booker means that whoever you are and whatever your background, we always want you to feel represented and that you can be yourself at work. In short, we’re a place where Everyone’s Welcome.

We know life looks a little different for each of us. That’s why at Booker and Best, we always welcome conversations about flexible working. Some people are at the start of their careers, some want the freedom to do the things they love. Others are going through life-changing moments like becoming a carer, nearing retirement, adapting to parenthood, or something else. So, talk to us throughout your application about how we may be able to support you.

We’re proud that Booker is a Disability Confident Committed employer and we’re committed to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. For further information on the accessibility support you can expect, please contact [e-mail]

Please note

We can only accept candidates over the age of 18 if the role requires working before 6:15 am or after 9:45 pm or involves working in areas such as the warehouse, beers, wines & spirits, and driving roles.

On the occasions where we have high volumes of applicants, some roles may close earlier than the advertised end date in order for us to manage all of the applicants appropriately. We will only be able to offer individual feedback to those candidates who attend an interview.

*Booker Group is part of Tesco plc, however, is operated separately from the core Tesco business and as such the benefits offered will be different from those offered at Tesco*

For more information about us please visit www.bookergroupjobs.co.uk