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- Tasks: Join our team to create innovative recipes and bring new food products to market.
- Company: Pilgrims Europe is on a mission to become a world-class food company.
- Benefits: Enjoy a creative work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of food trends and make a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: 3 years of culinary experience and a passion for food are essential.
- Other info: A full clean UK driving license is required for this role.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity to join the Pilgrims Europe Product & Innovation team with a vacancy for a Research & Development Chef based at our Grantham site. This role will work closely with the R&D Manager and Senior Chefs in nurturing a food culture in the business, in line with our journey to become a world class food company. The successful candidate will work to bring new products to market, from the initial concept right through to product launch, by developing a unique portfolio of brilliant recipes that will be valued by our customers, supporting delivery of business growth and profitability.
Key areas of responsibility include (but are not limited to):
- Owner of recipe development (including recipe cost) on specific projects using Recipe Professor.
- Support Senior Chef in packaging development (including packaging cost) on specific projects via Central Innovation Manager.
- Prepare product costings to target MSPs and understand the business implications from a commercial and manufacturing point of view.
- Provide product samples for internal/external meetings.
- Owner of uploading costing request forms to Product Costing & Insight (PC&I) Portal.
- Be at the forefront of the latest food trends to shape future NPD or innovation projects.
- Maintain the upkeep of the NPD kitchen to a Gold Standard, support the site by using the paperless digital COSHH Management system for the control of all NPD Kitchen Chemicals.
- During the development process and early gate stages, actively liaise with the cross functional site team to discuss all new products, raw materials, processing and packaging.
- Work closely with PC&I / Commercial teams to deliver commercially viable products and send costing files to PC&I (minimum 48 hours before submission).
- Build relationships with retailers and ensure customer care and adherence to the Pilgrims Europe Vision and Values.
Skills and Knowledge:
- 3 years' experience as a Chef or equivalent food experience essential.
- Product / Menu Costing Experience.
- Supply chain experience - Sourcing of Ingredients / Produce.
- Project management skills.
- IT Proficiency - Excel/Word/PowerPoint.
- Ingredient Knowledge/Food Passion.
- Previous experience in the Food Industry.
- Relevant Food Industry Qualifications and/or Experience.
- Must have a full clean UK driving license.
This role would be suitable for someone who is passionate with relevant restaurant/hospitality industry experience and exceptional culinary and creative food skills, as well as excellent communication skills and multi-tasking experience.
Product Development Chef in Grantham employer: Pilgrims Europe
Contact Detail:
Pilgrims Europe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Chef in Grantham
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest food trends and innovations. This will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your passion for the industry, which is crucial for a role like this.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food industry, especially those involved in product development. Attend food expos or culinary events to make connections that could lead to valuable insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with recipe development and costings in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully brought new products to market in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your project management skills by discussing how you've effectively managed multiple tasks or projects simultaneously. This is key in a fast-paced environment like product development.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Chef in Grantham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in the food industry, particularly any roles that involved product development or menu costing. Use specific examples to demonstrate your culinary skills and project management experience.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for food and innovation. Mention how your previous experiences align with the responsibilities of the role, such as recipe development and working with cross-functional teams.
Showcase Your Knowledge of Food Trends: Demonstrate your awareness of current food trends in your application. Discuss how you can contribute to the company's goal of becoming a world-class food company by bringing innovative ideas to the table.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in the culinary field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pilgrims Europe
✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion
Make sure to express your love for food and cooking during the interview. Share specific examples of dishes you've created or trends you've followed, as this will demonstrate your genuine interest in the culinary world.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about recipe development, costing, and food trends. Brush up on your knowledge of ingredient sourcing and project management, as these are key areas for the role. Being able to discuss your experience confidently will impress the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, be ready to discuss how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight any experiences where you worked with chefs, commercial teams, or suppliers to bring a product to market.
✨Research the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with Pilgrims Europe's vision and values. Understanding their commitment to becoming a world-class food company will help you align your answers with their goals, showing that you're a good fit for their culture.
