Senior Research Chef

McCormick & Company; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global flavor company based in the UK is seeking a culinary professional to drive innovation and concept development. The role involves managing customer briefs across EMEA, collaborating closely with various teams, and delivering culinary training. Ideal candidates will have NVQ Level 3 or a Culinary degree, strong culinary skills, and the ability to travel across regions. The company values diversity and offers competitive benefits and growth opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive benefits

Opportunities for growth

Qualifications

• Experience in the food industry, ideally in restaurants or foodservice.
• Detail-oriented and well-organized.
• Flexible and open to travel across EMEA and globally.

Responsibilities

• Drive culinary innovation and concept development.
• Manage multiple customer briefs across various regions.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, Marketing, and Commercial teams.

Skills

Culinary skills

Communication

Creativity

Knowledge of food trends

Food styling

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Food Preparation

Culinary or Food Science degree

Job description

• Drive culinary innovation and concept development for Flavour Solutions and branded foodservice across EMEA
• Participate in customer-facing sessions, create gold standard flavours, and provide trend insights
• Manage multiple customer briefs across UK, France, Nordics, Middle East, and Africa
• Design and validate culinary recipes, including nutritional information where needed
• Collaborate closely with R&D, Marketing, Insights, and Commercial teams
• Deliver culinary and product training to internal teams and customers
• Lead and execute culinary events and trade shows tailored to customer needs
• Support customer range sell-ins, focusing on seasonings, coatings, and condiments
• Contribute to NPD projects in collaboration with R&D and Sensory teams
• Apply culinary expertise to sensory and market research
• Act as a brand ambassador, promoting culinary excellence and food-first culture
• Foster a culture of innovation and high performance
• Ensure food safety and hygiene standards in all culinary activities
• Collaborate with the Global Culinary Council to align with global strategy

Candidate Profile

• NVQ Level 3 or C&G 701/2 in Food Preparation; Culinary or Food Science degree preferred
• Intermediate Food Hygiene required (within 6 months); Advanced preferred
• Experience in the food industry, ideally in restaurants or foodservice
• Strong culinary skills and creativity
• Knowledge of global food and flavour trends
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Confident in culinary demos and training delivery
• Food styling and photography skills are a plus
• Detail-oriented and well-organized
• Flexible and open to travel across EMEA and globally
• Additional European language is a plus

As an Equal Opportunities employer, McCormick is committed to a diverse workforce.

WHY WORK AT MCCORMICK?

United by flavor. Driven by results.

As a McCormick employee you’ll be empowered to focus on more than your individual responsibilities. You’ll have the opportunity to be part of something bigger than yourself—to have a say in where the company is going and how it’s growing.

Between our passion for flavor, our 130-year history of leadership and integrity, the competitive and comprehensive benefits we offer, and our culture, which is built on respect and opportunities for growth, there are many reasons to join us at McCormick.