At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culinary innovation and develop exciting food products from concept to launch.
- Company: Join Cranswick, a top UK food producer with a passion for quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, 28 days leave, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a thriving company.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in food innovation and create exceptional eating experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in food development, strong communication skills, and a passion for culinary trends.
The predicted salary is between 30919 - 37789 £ per year.
Cranswick is a leading UK food producer with revenues approaching £2.9 billion, supplying premium food to major UK retailers, foodservice and global customers. We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Development Chef at our Preston site near Hull (HU12 8TB). Reporting to the NPD Controller, you will lead Fresh Pork culinary innovation, develop products from concept to launch, and manage an NPD Chef. You will ensure products meet customer and Cranswick expectations, technical and operational requirements, and critical timelines for a successful cross-functional launch.
What We Look For:
- Significant Development Chef experience in food manufacturing/product development, with successful food innovation and product launches (Essential).
- Strong food trend, consumer insight and flavour knowledge, with a passion for food, innovation and exceptional eating experiences (Essential).
- Customer presentation and innovation workshop leadership, with credible communication and influencing skills at all business levels (Essential).
- Commercial awareness, strong organisation and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities across NPD processes and factory implementation (Essential).
- Coaching, mentoring or people-management experience, plus a Level 3+ Food Safety qualification (Desirable).
- Full UK driving licence (Essential).
Benefits:
- Competitive salary – to be discussed at application / interview stage.
- Job stability at a growing and expanding company.
- Commitment to progression and development through internal and externally accredited training.
- Company pension scheme with enhanced contributions - matched up to 10%.
- Participation in our Share Save Scheme, offering discounted company share purchases.
- 28 days annual leave entitlement (inclusive of bank holidays).
- New canteen providing fresh breakfast and lunch options.
- Membership discounts at high street stores and supermarkets through our discount portal.
A full job description is available upon request. Salary to be discussed at interview stage. Closing Date: 13th November 2026. Please note that if a suitable candidate is found, this closing date may be brought forward. If you are an internal applicant, please ensure you have made your line manager aware before applying and confirm this when submitting your application.
Senior Development Chef employer: Cranswick plc
Cranswick is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in East Yorkshire where innovation meets operational excellence. As a leading food producer, we prioritise employee growth through comprehensive training and development opportunities, alongside a supportive culture that values collaboration and stakeholder engagement. With competitive benefits such as a pension scheme, share save options, and an employee discount platform, joining Cranswick means being part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to driving meaningful change in the food manufacturing industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Development Chef
✨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 Cranswick plc.
✨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 Cranswick plc!
✨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 Cranswick plc, 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 Cranswick plc, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Development Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Cranswick plc, 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 Cranswick plc.
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 Cranswick plc. 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 Cranswick plc. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cranswick plc
✨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 Cranswick plc’s mission.
