At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and refine exciting recipes for seasonal menus and client concepts.
- Company: Join a fast-growing premium workplace catering business in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and a supportive, diverse work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative food offerings while enjoying creative freedom.
- Qualifications: Experience in food development and strong culinary skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 48000 £ per year.
Location: London
Salary: 45-48k DOE
Hours: Monday–Friday
Are you an experienced Development Chef who loves creating exceptional food but also understands the realities of delivering it at scale? We’re looking for a commercially minded and highly organised Development Chef to join our growing food development team. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in shaping seasonal menus, client concepts and innovative food offerings within a premium workplace catering business.
Working closely with our Head of Food Development, you'll take ownership of projects from initial concept through to testing, costing and operational roll‑out. You'll combine creativity with practicality, developing dishes that are exciting, consistent and commercially successful.
What You'll Be Doing
- Creating, testing and refining recipes for seasonal menus, client briefs and food concepts.
- Translating food trends and global flavours into scalable menu solutions.
- Developing recipes suitable for volume production, transport, finishing and service.
- Costing recipes and managing yields, portions and GP targets.
- Producing detailed specifications, allergen information and operational guides.
- Supporting tastings, presentations and menu launches.
- Working closely with chefs, operations, procurement and site teams to ensure successful implementation.
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
What We're Looking For
- Previous experience in food development, menu development, recipe testing or menu roll‑outs.
- Senior Sous Chef level experience or above.
- Strong culinary expertise with excellent flavour awareness and presentation standards.
- A solid understanding of global cuisines, ingredients and current food trends.
- Commercial awareness, including costing, margins and operational efficiency.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Confidence using spreadsheets, recipe systems and digital documentation.
- A proactive, self-sufficient approach and the ability to work independently.
Desirable Experience
- Workplace catering, contract catering, events, central production or multi‑site operations.
- Supporting client tastings, food photography and menu presentations.
- Interest in sustainability, provenance, nutrition and modern dining trends.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to influence menus across a fast-growing premium catering business while remaining hands‑on with food. You'll enjoy a varied role, creative freedom, genuine ownership of projects and the chance to see your ideas come to life at scale. If you're an experienced Development Chef looking for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and help shape the future of workplace dining.
We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:
- Contributory pension scheme
- Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
- Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
- Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
- Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
- Unwind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families
Equal Opportunities
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive – because diversity is our strength.
T2T Development Chef in London employer: Chartwells Independent
Join a dynamic and innovative workplace catering business in London as a Development Chef, where your culinary creativity will directly influence seasonal menus and client concepts. Enjoy a supportive work culture that values diversity and offers extensive career growth opportunities through tailored programmes, alongside a comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare perks, travel discounts, and wellness classes. This role not only allows you to showcase your culinary expertise but also empowers you to see your ideas come to life at scale in a fast-paced environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land T2T Development Chef in London
✨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 Chartwells Independent.
✨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 Chartwells Independent!
✨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 Chartwells Independent, 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 Chartwells Independent, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace T2T Development Chef in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Chartwells Independent, 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 Chartwells Independent.
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 Chartwells Independent. 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 Chartwells Independent. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartwells Independent
✨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 Chartwells Independent’s mission.
