At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative recipes and collaborate with teams to develop exciting food solutions.
- Company: Join Fresh Direct, the UK's leading supplier of fresh produce and meal solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, flexible working, and discounts on award-winning food.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the food industry while travelling and exploring culinary creativity.
- Qualifications: Proven culinary skills and experience in the foodservice industry.
The predicted salary is between 30600 - 37400 £ per year.
- Development Chef
- Remote based ideally located within Bicester / Oxfordshire area
- 39 hours per week
Benefits
- Competitive Salary
- Company car or car allowance
- Home-based contract
- Additional holiday purchase options to top up your annual leave
- Award-winning food at significant discounts
Fresh Direct is the UK's leading supplier of Fresh produce, fresh fish and seafood, speciality ingredients and meal solutions.
Incorporating Fresh Direct, M&J seafood, Wild Harvest and Fresh Kitchen. we have an enviable product portfolio, impressive customer base and national reach.
An opportunity has arisen to join the Food Development team at Fresh Direct.
We are looking for an experienced Development Chef with an unquestionable passion for fresh food.
This role involves frequent travel throughout the country and will involve overnight stays on occasion.
What you will be doing
- Develop meaningful, close working relationships with customers food development teams
- Develop relationships internally with category team, manufacturing teams, sales team, procurement team, marketing team and technical team to support in delivering innovation and support to customers menu development and grow sales and margin for Fresh Direct
- Take an active role in NPD with wider Food Development team - creating recipes, managing customer expectations, tracking progress, managing data
- Plan, prepare and present customer food days in line with brief and customer and business expectations
- Provide food and industry knowledge, support and expertise to colleagues
What we are looking for
- Good commercial knowledge with excellent culinary skills and a proven track record in the foodservice industry at a senior level
- A passion for fresh produce and ingredients
- Ability to adapt to and adopt a number of culinary styles and cuisines in line with our varied customer base's menu offerings and brands
- Enthusiastic with a can do attitude
- Ability to build and develop customer relationships
- Strong relationship builder & team player with excellent inter-personal skills
- Influencing and negotiation skills
- Flexible, adaptable and resourceful
- Good knowledge of Foodservice Industry (brands, operators, influencers, trends and current market)
- Previous experience of presenting to large audiences
- Good, working knowledge of Power Point, Excel, Word
- Full UK Drivers Licence
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Development Chef in Bicester employer: Brakes
Medina is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and supportive work culture, perfect for ambitious individuals looking to thrive in sales. With uncapped bonus potential and opportunities for personal and professional growth, employees are encouraged to develop their skills while making a meaningful impact in the vibrant Isle of Wight community. Join us to be part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Chef in Bicester
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Brakes.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Brakes!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Brakes, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Brakes, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Chef in Bicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Brakes, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Brakes.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Brakes. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Brakes. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Brakes
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Brakes’s mission.
