Senior Research Chef

McCormick & Company; Haddenham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global culinary company in Haddenham seeks a culinary innovation expert to drive concept development and manage customer briefs across EMEA. Candidates should possess strong culinary skills, experience in the food industry, and excellent communication abilities. The role includes delivering training and supporting product innovations in a dynamic culinary environment.

Qualifications

• Intermediate Food Hygiene required, Advanced preferred.
• Experience in the food industry, ideally in restaurants or foodservice.
• Confident in culinary demos and training delivery.

Responsibilities

• Drive culinary innovation and concept development.
• Manage multiple customer briefs across various regions.
• Deliver culinary and product training to internal teams and customers.

Skills

Culinary skills

Creativity

Excellent communication

Relationship-building skills

Detail-oriented

Organization

Food styling

Photography skills

Flexibility

Knowledge of global food trends

Education

NVQ Level 3 or C&G 701/2 in Food Preparation

Culinary or Food Science degree

Job description

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• 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.