At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative food concepts and recipes for major retail customers.
- Company: Join Greencore, a leading UK convenience food creator with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, holidays, pension contributions, and exclusive employee discounts.
- Other info: Receive on-the-job training and support in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team where creativity meets culinary innovation every day.
- Qualifications: Experienced Chef with industry-recognised qualifications and a passion for food trends.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Location: Bourne
Why Greencore?
Following the combination with Bakkavor in January 2026, we’re one of the UK’s leading creators of convenience food, driven by a simple purpose: to make everyday taste better. As a vibrant and fast-moving business, we’re proud to employ over 28,000 talented colleagues across 36 manufacturing sites and 21 distribution depots in the UK and the US. Together, we bring delicious food to life. Our products cover every meal occasion from breakfast through to dinner and dessert, with lunch and snacking in between. In FY25, our shared passion helped us achieve combined revenues of approximately £4bn. Our extensive direct to store (DTS) network, with 17 depots across the UK, allows us to deliver fresh and frozen food both our own and from trusted partners to thousands of stores every day, ensuring consumers enjoy the very best, whenever and wherever they shop.
We are seeking a passionate and driven Development Chef to join our innovative team. This is an exciting opportunity to work across a variety of major retail customers, creating fresh and inspiring products including stir fry, salads, vegetables, and fruit ranges within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. Working closely with our Senior Development Chef and Head Chef, you will play a key role in developing innovative food concepts, supporting kitchen trials, and helping to shape products that reach customers nationwide. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a dynamic and growing food business where no two days are the same. You’ll have the chance to bring creativity to life across multiple retailers and fresh produce categories, supported by an experienced leadership team that encourages new ideas and continuous development.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop innovative food concepts and recipes in line with customer briefs and market trends.
- Support the NPD process from concept to launch, ensuring high culinary and quality standards.
- Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams including Technical, Process, and Commercial.
- Attend customer presentations and contribute to showcasing new ideas and developments.
- Provide culinary support during factory trials and product scale-up.
- Maintain an up-to-date understanding of market and food trends.
About You:
- Experienced Chef with industry-recognised qualifications (e.g. NVQ, City & Guilds or equivalent).
- Minimum 3 years’ experience within a hospitality setting or food manufacturing environment.
- Strong creative flair with a genuine passion for innovation and food trends.
- Self-motivated and organised, with the ability to work independently and within a team structure.
- Confident communicator with a collaborative approach.
We’re proud to be recognised in the Gender Equity Measure Top 100 for our commitment to gender equality.
What you'll get in return:
- Competitive salary and job-related benefits
- Holidays
- Competitive matched pension contributions
- Life insurance up to 4x salary
- Company share save scheme
- Greencore Qualifications
- Exclusive Greencore employee discount platform
- Access to a full Wellbeing Centre platform
- Enhanced parental leave and menopause policies
Throughout your time at Greencore, you will be supported with on the job training.
Development Chef employer: Com Laude
Greencore is an exceptional employer located in Bourne, offering a vibrant and fast-paced work environment where creativity thrives. As a leading player in the convenience food sector, we provide our Development Chefs with ample opportunities for professional growth, supported by an experienced leadership team that values innovation and collaboration. With competitive benefits, including a matched pension scheme and a comprehensive wellbeing platform, Greencore is dedicated to making everyday taste better while fostering a culture of inclusivity and support.
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 food events, and join culinary groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Development Chef role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best recipes and innovative concepts. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your passion for food shine through.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience and how it aligns with the role. Tailor your conversation to highlight your culinary skills and teamwork, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our vibrant team at Greencore.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your culinary journey and what inspires you to create innovative dishes. We want to see that spark of creativity that makes you a perfect fit for our Development Chef role.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Development Chef position. Highlight your relevant experience in food manufacturing and any specific projects that align with our mission at Greencore. This shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm.
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 gives you a chance to explore more about Greencore and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Com Laude
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your culinary knowledge and be ready to discuss current food trends. Familiarise yourself with innovative concepts in the industry, especially those relevant to convenience food. This will show your passion for the role and your understanding of what makes a great product.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to share examples of your previous work that highlight your creative flair. Think about specific dishes or concepts you've developed that align with the job description. Being able to articulate your thought process behind these creations can really impress the interviewers.
✨Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working with cross-functional teams, be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated in the past. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and work well with others, especially in a fast-paced environment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s approach to innovation and product development. This not only shows your interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the company culture aligns with your values and work style.
