Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive culinary innovation and develop exciting menus for diverse sectors.
- Company: Major hospitality & catering provider with a focus on quality and creativity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, annual bonus, and opportunities for travel.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of food trends and make a real impact in the culinary world.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Development Chef or similar role, with strong culinary and leadership skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel across NI and ROI, perfect for food enthusiasts.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are seeking to recruit a Development Chef on behalf of our client, a major hospitality & catering provider operating both North & South of the border.
Role Purpose
The Development Chef is responsible for driving culinary innovation, developing commercially viable menus, and ensuring high food standards across the contract catering estate in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. This role blends creativity with operational awareness, ensuring that all food offerings meet client expectations, budget requirements, regional preferences, and legislative standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Menu & Recipe Development
- Create innovative, seasonal, and cost effective menus suitable for multiple sectors (e.g., B&I, education, healthcare, hospitality).
- Develop recipe specifications, portion sizes, allergen information, and costings.
- Adapt menus to meet regional tastes and regulatory differences between NI and ROI.
- Lead periodic menu refreshes, food trend analysis, and showcase new concepts to clients and internal teams.
- Operational Support
- Work closely with site chefs and managers to implement new menus, standards, and food concepts.
- Conduct on site cooking demonstrations, training sessions, and quality audits.
- Support new site mobilisations and tender presentations as required.
- Troubleshoot operational challenges related to food quality, consistency, or cost control.
- Quality, Standards & Compliance
- Ensure food safety, allergen management, and HACCP compliance across NI and ROI.
- Uphold brand standards and ensure consistent delivery across all units.
- Maintain thorough knowledge of food legislation in both jurisdictions.
- Supplier & Product Development
- Collaborate with procurement teams on product selection, supplier innovation days, and cost optimisation.
- Evaluate new ingredients, equipment, and culinary technologies that support efficiency and quality.
- Training & Team Development
- Provide coaching and skills development for culinary teams.
- Create training materials, guides, and standard operating procedures.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement and culinary excellence.
- Client Engagement & Business Development
- Support sales and retention teams with tasting sessions, site visits, proposals, and presentations.
- Build strong relationships with clients by understanding their needs and tailoring culinary solutions to suit.
Skills, Experience & Competencies
- Essential
- Proven experience as a Development Chef, Head Chef, or Executive Chef within contract catering or multi site environments.
- Strong understanding of food cost control, GP management, and commercial menu planning.
- Ability to train, motivate, and influence teams across multiple sites.
- Full driving licence and willingness to travel throughout NI and ROI.
- Excellent knowledge of HACCP, food safety, allergen legislation (including differences between UK & ROI regulations).
- Creative, trend aware approach to food with strong presentation skills.
- Desirable
- Experience in tender support and client presentations.
- Familiarity with sustainable and ethical sourcing practices.
- Experience in education, B&I, healthcare, or retail catering sectors.
Personal Attributes
- Passionate about food innovation and quality.
- Strong communicator with the ability to build positive relationships.
- Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple projects.
- Comfortable working autonomously and adapting to different environments.
- Energetic, resilient, and solution focused.
Working Conditions
- Regular travel across NI and ROI.
- Occasional early starts, evenings, or weekend work for events or menu launches.
- Hands on role requiring time in kitchens, at sites, and in development sessions.
Salary range c£45k plus company car and benefits.
Interested candidates who meet the above criteria please forward CV in the strictest confidence via link below.
Skills: menu planning, tasting, HACCP Management, Cooking
Benefits: Company Vehicle, Annual Bonus / 13th Cheque
Development Chef employer: Alchemy Recruitment Solutions
Contact Detail:
Alchemy Recruitment Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend culinary events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Development Chef role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best menu designs and recipes. Bring it along to interviews or share it online to catch the eye of potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for interviews by doing mock sessions with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your culinary vision and how you can drive innovation in their kitchens.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented chefs like you. Don’t miss out on the chance to showcase your creativity and passion for food innovation.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Culinary Creativity: When crafting your application, let your passion for food innovation shine through! Share examples of how you've developed unique menus or recipes that cater to different sectors. We want to see your creative flair and how you can bring fresh ideas to the table.
Highlight Your Experience: Make sure to detail your experience as a Development Chef or in similar roles. Talk about your understanding of food cost control and how you've successfully managed multiple sites. This is your chance to show us why you're the perfect fit for this role!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Development Chef role. Mention your knowledge of HACCP and allergen legislation, especially the differences between NI and ROI regulations. We love candidates who pay attention to detail!
Apply Through Our Website: Ready to take the plunge? Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. We’re excited to see your application and can’t wait to learn more about how you can contribute to our culinary team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alchemy Recruitment Solutions
✨Know Your Menus Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’ve researched and can discuss various menu concepts. Be ready to showcase your creativity by suggesting innovative dishes that align with the client’s needs and regional preferences. This will demonstrate your culinary knowledge and passion for food innovation.
✨Showcase Your Operational Awareness
Be prepared to talk about your experience in managing food quality and cost control. Share specific examples of how you've successfully implemented new menus or tackled operational challenges in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to blend creativity with practical execution.
✨Demonstrate Your Training Skills
Since training and team development are key responsibilities, think of instances where you’ve coached or mentored culinary teams. Discuss how you’ve created training materials or conducted sessions that improved team performance. This shows you’re not just a chef but also a leader.
✨Engage with Client Needs
Prepare to discuss how you build relationships with clients and tailor culinary solutions to meet their expectations. Bring examples of past client engagements, such as tasting sessions or presentations, to illustrate your ability to connect and understand client requirements.