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- Tasks: Join our team to create innovative recipes and bring new products to market.
- Company: Pilgrims Europe is on a mission to become a world-class food company.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career development, and a range of employee perks.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative food culture and shape the future of food innovation.
- Qualifications: 3 years of culinary experience and a passion for food are essential.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to work in a dynamic environment with a focus on sustainability.
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.
Location: Grantham
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
No direct reports
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 (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 “To become the best and most respected company in our industry…”
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
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary
- Career development opportunities within a growing, forward thinking business
- Competitive annual leave and enhanced Sick Pay
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- End of Year Thank you Gift and Lunch, Refer a Friend Scheme, Stars Awards, Wellbeing Initiatives, Long Service Awards
- Free site Car Parking, Life Assurance and many more
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.
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. This will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate 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 or culinary events to make connections that could lead to opportunities at Pilgrims Europe.
✨Tip Number 3
Gain hands-on experience with recipe costing and product development tools. Familiarity with software like Recipe Professor can set you apart from other candidates and show your readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous projects in detail during the interview. Highlight your role in recipe development and how you contributed to successful product launches, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in product development and culinary skills. Emphasise any previous roles where you developed recipes or worked on food innovation projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for food and innovation. Mention specific examples of how you've contributed to product development in the past and how you align with the company's vision.
Showcase Your Skills: Include specific examples of your project management skills and experience with recipe costing. Highlight your proficiency in IT tools like Excel and any relevant food industry qualifications.
Research the Company: Familiarise yourself with Pilgrims Europe's values and recent innovations. This will help you tailor your application and demonstrate your enthusiasm for joining their team.
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 enthusiasm and commitment to the culinary arts.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about recipe development, costing, and ingredient sourcing. Brush up on your knowledge of these areas and be ready to discuss how you would approach various challenges in product development.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with other chefs and cross-functional teams, highlight your experience in teamwork. Share examples of successful collaborations and how you’ve contributed to a positive team environment.
✨Research the Company and Its Values
Familiarise yourself with Pilgrims Europe's vision and values. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goal of becoming the best in the industry.
