At a Glance
- Tasks: Create exciting new menu items and collaborate with a passionate team.
- Company: Join Absolute Taste, a dynamic leader in the food service industry.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, work with fresh ingredients, and develop your culinary skills.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for creativity and growth.
- Why this job: Perfect for food lovers eager to innovate and impress clients with delicious creations.
- Qualifications: 1+ years as a chef, strong food knowledge, and a flair for cooking.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Absolute Taste are looking for an experienced Junior Development Chef with Food Service/Hospitality experience. You will be someone who is self‑motivated and focused on customer service, demonstrating initiative and ownership while enjoying collaborative work with colleagues. You will be flexible and adaptable to new challenges and change.
The role of Junior Development Chef includes:
- Working with our NPD Head Chef to create new, seasonal menu propositions for our travel clients, considering production, regeneration of the food and shelf life restrictions.
- Ensuring all recipes can be produced on a medium to large‑scale volume while maintaining consistency.
- Optimising ingredients and procedures to minimise human inaccuracies.
- Working with local suppliers to ensure the sourcing of fresh ingredients for the business.
- Supporting with typing up of recipes and costings where required.
- Monitoring trends and developing recipes in accordance with customer demands and responses.
- Maintaining the ongoing development of new and existing quality products – working closely with existing and new customers.
- Supporting with taking product from concept to launch within the operation’s current capabilities.
- Having a basic understanding of food cost, knowledge of high-cost ingredients versus lower costs.
- Working closely with production teams across capabilities – taking new products into production as well as assisting on existing products – reviewing processes and assisting with updating processes and problem solving.
- Collaborating with Procurement, Technical team & commercial team/account managers.
- Conducting shelf life testing.
- Sample making, as well as maintaining excellent standards at all times in the NPD kitchen, including collection of ingredients and day‑to‑day housekeeping.
- Defining, implementing, and monitoring processes to ensure compliance with all health and regulation requirements.
- Managing and updating knowledge management systems in line with the quality standards and protocols.
- Being customer facing - from product presentations to cooking and presenting lunches/dinners for clients – being a natural good host.
What are we looking for?
- Min 1 year’s experience as a chef.
- Experience working in a fast-paced environment with short lead times.
- Ability to work from very specific briefs.
- Must be a passionate foodie with outstanding food knowledge and the ability to demonstrate natural flair with a good palate.
- Ability to bring whole concepts together as well as working on silo products.
- Ability to quickly learn the capabilities of the current operation and work alongside these capabilities when developing products for demanding customers.
- Must have an eye for detail and good organisation skills.
- Good all-round knowledge of cuisines from around the world.
- Good all-round knowledge of various cooking techniques and production processes.
- Up to date with the latest food trends and possess an innovative food-oriented mindset.
- Good communication skills.
- Ability to work on own projects as well as part of a team on larger projects.
- Problem-solving skills and the ability to think on your feet.
- Computer literate with a working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
The above list of duties for the Junior Development Chef are non‑exhaustive, and this role may require performing additional tasks as necessary to meet the needs of the department and the Company.
Junior Sous Chef in Bicester employer: Absolute Taste - Travel
Contact Detail:
Absolute Taste - Travel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Sous Chef in Bicester
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Connect with chefs and industry professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you can, bring samples of your cooking to interviews or networking events. A taste of your talent can leave a lasting impression and show that you're serious about the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to companies you admire, like Absolute Taste. Express your interest and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities – it shows initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on food trends and innovations. Being knowledgeable about the latest in the culinary world can set you apart during interviews. Plus, it shows your passion for the industry and your commitment to continuous learning.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Sous Chef in Bicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! Share your experiences and what excites you about creating new dishes. We want to see that you're not just a chef, but a passionate foodie who lives and breathes culinary creativity.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in food service and hospitality. Mention specific skills or projects that align with the Junior Development Chef role. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their background with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We value good communication skills, so make sure your written application reflects that by being easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to showcase your application in the best light. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end!
How to prepare for a job interview at Absolute Taste - Travel
✨Know Your Ingredients
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of various cuisines and cooking techniques. Be ready to discuss your favourite ingredients and how you would use them in new recipes. This shows your passion for food and your ability to innovate.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to share examples of how you've developed new dishes or improved existing ones. Think about the processes you followed and the challenges you faced. This will demonstrate your initiative and ownership, which are key qualities they’re looking for.
✨Be a Team Player
Since collaboration is crucial in this role, think of instances where you’ve worked well with others in a kitchen environment. Highlight your flexibility and adaptability when working under pressure, as this will resonate with their fast-paced setting.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with food costs and how to optimise ingredients. Be prepared to discuss how you can balance quality with cost-effectiveness. This knowledge will show that you understand the broader picture of food service and hospitality.