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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 not limited to):
- Owner of recipe development (inc. recipe cost) on specific projects using Recipe Professor.
- Support Senior Chef in packaging development (inc. packaging cost) on specific projects via Central Innovation Manager.
- Prepare product costings to target MSP's 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 you will actively liaise with the cross functional site team to discuss all new products, raw materials, processing and packaging.
- You will work closely with PC&I / Commercial teams to deliver commercially viable products and send costing files to PC&I (min 48hrs 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 employer: Pilgrims Europe
Contact Detail:
Pilgrims Europe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest food trends and innovations. Being knowledgeable about current market demands will not only help you in interviews but also show your passion for the industry, which is crucial for a role like Product Development Chef.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food industry, especially those involved in product development. Attend food expos, workshops, or culinary events to make connections that could lead to valuable insights or even job referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in recipe development and cost management during the interview. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully brought new products to market or improved existing ones.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your culinary creativity by preparing a unique dish that reflects your understanding of current food trends. This can be a great conversation starter during interviews and demonstrates your hands-on skills and passion for food.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience as a Chef, particularly in product development and menu costing. Use specific examples that demonstrate your culinary skills and any previous roles in the food industry.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food and innovation. Mention how your experience aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, such as recipe development and working with cross-functional teams.
Showcase Your Knowledge of Food Trends: In your application, include insights about current food trends and how they could influence new product development. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and understanding of the market.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your project management skills and IT proficiency, especially in tools like Excel and Word. Mention any experience you have with sourcing ingredients or managing costs, as these are key aspects of the role.
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 these topics confidently will impress the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, be ready to discuss your experience in collaborating with others. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team environment, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨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 and show that you're a good fit for their culture.
