At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to create and refine delicious new dishes in a hands-on kitchen environment.
- Company: COOK, a B-Corp-certified business focused on sustainability and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy paid leave for special occasions, staff discounts, free lunches, and wellbeing programs.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Grow your culinary skills while making a real impact in food development.
- Qualifications: Experience in a professional kitchen and a passion for food and learning.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.
Location: The COOK Kitchen, Sittingbourne
Hours: Full time, 40 hours per week Monday – Friday 8am -4pm
Salary: £30,000 Per Annum
Contract Type: This is a fixed Term role for 12 months, with cover starting in June.
What this role is all about:
This is a hands-on, learning-focused role for a Junior Development Chef who loves food and wants to grow within a development environment. You will work closely with the Development Chef and Lead Development Chef to help bring new COOK dishes to life, supporting the journey from early concept cooking through to scaled up, production ready batches. You will use your solid cooking skills, curiosity and attention to detail to help test, refine and document dishes. This role is perfect for someone who wants to deepen their culinary knowledge while learning more about manufacturing and how recipes translate from a small pan to a full scale production kitchen.
Main responsibilities:
- New Product Development / Existing Product Development: Supporting Development Chefs in cooking, testing and refining new dishes to clear briefs. Preparing samples and assisting with development trials. Recording and tracking key data needed for scale-up. Helping prepare and cook dishes for tastings, reviews and sign-off sessions. Assisting with recipe writing, costing creation and cooking time validation. Learning from and supporting the Development Chef and Lead Development Chef in day to day kitchen activities and best practice.
- Scale-Up: Assisting with recipe scale-up within Operations. Hands on cooking of full batch recipes, from prep through to finished dish. Supporting verification of manufacturing methods to create repeatable recipes. Capturing yield data and key trial information to support costing and recipe updates. Helping organise ingredients, timelines and trials to keep projects running smoothly.
- Quality, Food Safety & Standards: Ensuring all development work meets COOK’s food safety and quality standards. Maintaining clear and accurate documentation and records. Following operational processes and safety standards within manufacturing kitchens. Applying strong attention to detail throughout every stage of development.
- Collaboration & Continuous Improvement: Bringing enthusiasm, curiosity and fresh ideas to the team. Supporting Development Chefs within both the Development Kitchen and Operations kitchen. Taking part in post-launch evaluations to help refine dishes and improve ways of working.
Good to Have:
- Experience working as a chef in a professional kitchen, with an interest in development and manufacturing.
- Solid cooking skills and a good foundation of food knowledge.
- Curiosity around ingredients, cuisines and how dishes are built.
- Organised, proactive and a strong team player.
- A genuine passion for food and learning, with the ambition to grow into a Development Chef role.
If you tick most of these boxes but not all, do not stress. We are all about potential.
Excellent Benefits including:
- Paid leave on your birthday, moving house, becoming a grandparent or your child starting school for the first time.
- Staff profit share.
- Wellbeing program.
- 30% staff discount.
- Access to Cookie Jar Smart Spending discounts and free food perks.
- Team meals, events & away days.
- Be part of a B-Corp-certified business that values sustainability, people, and the community.
- Life Insurance.
- Free Lunch.
Junior Development Chef in Sittingbourne employer: Artemis Clarke Ltd
At COOK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and supportive work culture. As a Junior Development Chef in our Sittingbourne kitchen, you'll enjoy a hands-on learning environment with ample opportunities for growth, alongside excellent benefits such as paid leave on special occasions, staff profit share, and a strong focus on wellbeing. Join us in our mission to create delicious food while being part of a B-Corp-certified business that values sustainability and community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Development Chef in Sittingbourne
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! When you’re applying for a Junior Development Chef role, show off your cooking skills in person. If you can, ask to do a trial shift or a cooking demonstration. This way, we can see your passion and creativity in action!
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with other chefs and food enthusiasts on social media or at local events. Share your culinary journey and engage with our team at COOK. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or opportunities!
✨Tip Number 3
Be curious and ask questions! During interviews or networking chats, show your enthusiasm for learning about food development and manufacturing. We love candidates who are eager to grow and bring fresh ideas to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of the COOK family. Don’t forget to highlight your passion for food and any relevant experience!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Development Chef in Sittingbourne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share any experiences that highlight your culinary journey and how they’ve shaped your desire to grow as a Junior Development Chef.
Be Specific About Your Skills:We want to know what you can bring to the table! Mention specific cooking skills or techniques you’re familiar with, and how they relate to the role. This helps us see how you fit into our kitchen environment.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for this role. Refer to the job description and align your experiences with the responsibilities listed. It shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in joining our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Artemis Clarke Ltd
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of various ingredients and cuisines. Being able to discuss how different flavours work together or how certain ingredients can be substituted will show your passion for food and your curiosity, which is exactly what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Cooking Skills
If possible, prepare a dish that highlights your cooking skills and creativity. Bring photos or even a sample if it’s feasible. This not only demonstrates your culinary abilities but also your enthusiasm for the role and willingness to go the extra mile.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the company’s approach to new product development and their quality standards. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role and eager to learn more about how you can contribute to their team.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with other chefs, highlight your experience in team settings. Share examples of how you’ve collaborated in the kitchen, supported others, and contributed to a positive working environment. This will align well with their focus on collaboration and continuous improvement.
