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- Tasks: Create innovative food products and improve existing ones for various sectors.
- Company: Join apetito, the UK's leading food supplier in health and social care.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and a discretionary bonus scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team making a real difference in people's lives through food.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef with exceptional culinary skills and creativity.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment focused on sustainability and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for an exceptional chef to join our Product & Process Development team to create compelling and scalable new and improved food products for all of our business sectors including Education, Healthcare, Care homes and Wiltshire Farm Foods.
You will work closely with product developers, category management, dietitians and other key stakeholders to deliver new and improved products that meet commercial, nutritional and operational goals.
You will translate development briefs into incredible food products that create competitive advantage, improve quality, elevate our offering and enhance customer enjoyment.
You will also propose completely new ideas and concepts to help shape our Development programmes and food strategy.
You will provide support throughout the Development process to ensure we design and deliver great food to be proud of. This will include supporting production trials, delivering presentations, training colleagues and undertaking product reviews.
You will deliver exceptional food presentations that engage internal stakeholders and excite customers.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a creative Head Chef with a strong foundation of classical cookery that underpins their creativity and innovation.
Who we areapetito is the UK\’s leading food supplier to the health and social care sectors serving more than 1,300 care homes, health care and education settings.
Our meals are expertly crafted by our dietitians and chefs, and then frozen to lock in the goodness.
Wiltshire Farm Foods is the UK\’s largest ready meal supplier cooking and delivering over 330 different delicious frozen ready meals across the UK.
Responsibilities
Deliver compelling and scalable new product concepts (including meals, desserts and specialist nutrition products) that meet agreed standards for nutrition, cost and product attributes.
Improve the design, quality, value and nutrition of existing products to enrich the customer experience and meet business needs.
Provide support to the Head Development chef and other key stakeholders to deliver project and business objectives.
Conduct and support taste panels and presentations.
Promote food values across the organisation, inspiring a shared passion for exceptional food and quality standards.
Assess new ingredients.
Support our PR and marketing teams with promotional activities (e.g. photography, food articles, filming).
Maintain kitchen standards, ensuring compliance with all relevant standards and policies.
Support ideation sessions and creative workshops.
Responsibility for ensuring good working practice is maintained within the Development kitchen.
Analyse food trends and apply learnings in the development of new and improved products.
About you
Experience as a Head Chef, successfully leading kitchen brigades within top-tier hospitality venues (e.g. Michelin-starred or 3-rosette establishments).
Exceptional culinary skills.
Wide knowledge of global foods and cuisines.
Motivated by working in a creative customer-focused environment.
Excellent presentation sensory skills.
Commercially aware.
The ability to \’sell\’ ideas and inspire others.
Team player.
Company Benefits
Competitive salary – accredited Living Wage employer
25 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays
Option to purchase up to 5 additional days holiday per year
Discretionary annual bonus scheme
Pension scheme – employer matched contributions up to 4%
Life assurance scheme worth at least 1x annual salary
Subsidised canteen
Free parking
apetito perks scheme including salary sacrifice options and retail discounts
Our ValuesAs a family-owned business, we take great pride in being a company that makes a real difference and is dedicated to creating outstanding meals to be proud of.
We develop a range of products designed to enhance health and well-being for all our customers.
We are driven by a passion for service and dedicated to feeding some of the UK\’s most vulnerable people.
We proudly support British food and farming, focusing on using the best ethical and sustainable produce in alignment with our goal to reach Net Zero by 2040.
Our ethical standards are recognised by the ETI and we are an accredited Living Wage employer.Learn more about apetito\’s commitment to a more sustainable future.
We embrace inclusion, empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Our commitment to making a real difference extends to customers, communities, and staff and we\’re on a mission to build an inclusive workplace where everyone reaches their full potential.
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Development Chef employer: apetito
Contact Detail:
apetito 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 your connections in the food industry, attend culinary events, and join relevant online groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they’re even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes and innovative concepts. When you get the chance to meet potential employers, bring along some samples or visuals to really impress them with your culinary creativity.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like apetito, and express your interest in working with them. A well-timed email can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by practising your presentation skills. You’ll need to engage stakeholders and excite customers, so rehearse how you’d pitch your ideas and products. Confidence is key, and we believe in you!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Culinary Skills: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your exceptional culinary skills and any experience you have in top-tier hospitality venues. We want to see how your creativity and classical cookery foundation can translate into innovative food products!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Development Chef role. Mention how your experience aligns with our mission at apetito and how you can contribute to creating outstanding meals.
Be Passionate About Food: Let your passion for food shine through in your application. Share any unique ideas or concepts you've developed in the past that could inspire our food strategy. We love candidates who are motivated by creating exceptional food experiences!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at apetito
✨Know Your Ingredients
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the ingredients you'll be working with. Research their nutritional benefits and how they can enhance your dishes. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're passionate about creating exceptional food.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to discuss your previous culinary creations and how you've innovated in the kitchen. Bring along a portfolio or photos of your best dishes to visually demonstrate your skills. This will help you stand out as a creative chef who can bring fresh ideas to the table.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
Since you'll be delivering presentations and engaging with stakeholders, practice how you present your ideas. Use clear, engaging language and be ready to answer questions. Consider doing mock presentations with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Understand the Company Values
Familiarise yourself with apetito's commitment to sustainability and quality. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Showing that you share their passion for making a difference will resonate well with the interviewers.
