Trainee Development Chef

Trainee Development Chef

Cambridge Full-Time 35000 £ / year No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Create delicious food concepts and bring them to life with our innovative teams.
  • Company: Join one of the UK’s leading food producers and kick-start your culinary career.
  • Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to top retailers in the food industry.
  • Why this job: Turn your passion for food into exciting products that delight customers.
  • Qualifications: A love for food, creativity, and a willingness to learn are essential.
  • Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Are you passionate about food and ready to take your first step into the world of food manufacturing?

The information below covers the role requirements, expected candidate experience, and accompanying qualifications.
This is a fantastic opportunity to kick-start your culinary career as a Trainee Development Chef, working at the heart of innovation with one of the UK’s leading food producers.

We’re looking for someone with a genuine love for food, creativity, and curiosity — someone who wants to bring great-tasting ideas to life.

The Role

As a Trainee Development Chef, you’ll play a key role in turning culinary inspiration into real products that delight our customers. You’ll work closely with our Innovation and NPD teams to develop delicious, commercially viable recipes — learning how to balance creativity with technical and operational realities.

You’ll get hands-on experience across the entire product development journey — from concept and customer presentations to factory trials and launch — helping to create food that meets the highest standards of quality, value, and taste.

This could be your first role in food manufacturing — what matters most is your passion, ambition, and willingness to learn.

What You’ll Be Doing

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Working closely with our Innovation and NPD teams to deliver exciting new food concepts.

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Understanding customer and retailer strategies to create food that truly connects with their consumers.

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Supporting the full development process — from idea generation to product launch — ensuring all timelines, costs, and standards are met.

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Creating and managing product samples and presentations.

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Attending factory trials and learning how ideas come to life on the production line.

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Keeping up to date with food trends, ingredients, and techniques to inspire fresh innovation.

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Presenting your creations passionately and knowledgeably to internal teams and customers.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

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Passionate about food — curious, creative, and eager to learn.

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A strong communicator, able to work collaboratively with chefs, NPD teams, and commercial colleagues.

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Detail-oriented, understanding the importance of ingredients, process, and cost.

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Resilient and proactive, comfortable managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

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Excited to grow — this role will give you exposure to leading retailers, food innovation, and the inner workings of a major food manufacturer.

A culinary background or formal chef training would be an advantage, but we’ll provide full support and mentorship for the right person who shows passion, drive, and potential

Trainee Development Chef employer: D R Newitt & Associates

Join a leading UK food producer as a Trainee Development Chef, where your passion for food will be nurtured in a vibrant and innovative work culture. With hands-on experience across the product development journey, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with talented teams, learn from industry experts, and grow your culinary skills in a supportive environment that values creativity and ambition. This role not only offers a pathway into food manufacturing but also provides exposure to exciting trends and the chance to make a real impact on delicious new products.
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Contact Detail:

D R Newitt & Associates Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Trainee Development Chef

✨Tip Number 1

Get your hands dirty! Attend food fairs, cooking classes, or local events to network with industry professionals. The more you immerse yourself in the food scene, the better your chances of landing that Trainee Development Chef role.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your culinary creativity! Create a portfolio of your best recipes and food presentations. When you get the chance to meet potential employers, having something tangible to showcase your passion for food can really set you apart.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Follow food trends, engage with chefs and food brands on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. This not only keeps you updated but also helps you build connections that could lead to job opportunities.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals like you. Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your love for food and eagerness to learn — it’s all about showing us why you’d be a great fit for the team!

We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Development Chef

Culinary Creativity
Passion for Food
Collaboration Skills
Communication Skills
Attention to Detail
Project Management
Understanding of Food Trends
Presentation Skills
Resilience
Proactivity
Willingness to Learn
Customer Focus
Time Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Food: Let your love for food shine through in your application! Share any experiences or projects that highlight your creativity and curiosity in the culinary world. We want to see your enthusiasm for bringing great-tasting ideas to life.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the skills and qualities mentioned in the job description. Highlight your communication skills and detail-oriented nature, as these are key for working with our Innovation and NPD teams.

Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing. We’re looking for someone who is genuine and excited about the opportunity to learn and grow in the food manufacturing industry. Show us who you are!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows your commitment to joining our team at StudySmarter.

How to prepare for a job interview at D R Newitt & Associates

✨Show Your Passion for Food

Make sure to express your genuine love for food during the interview. Share personal stories about your culinary experiences, favourite dishes, or any cooking projects you've undertaken. This will help demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.

✨Research Food Trends

Before the interview, take some time to research current food trends and innovations in the industry. Being able to discuss these trends and how they could influence product development will show that you're proactive and engaged with the culinary world.

✨Prepare for Practical Questions

Expect questions that assess your creativity and problem-solving skills. Think of examples where you've had to balance creativity with practical constraints, like budget or time. This will showcase your ability to think critically, which is essential for a Trainee Development Chef.

✨Practice Your Presentation Skills

Since you'll be presenting your ideas to teams and customers, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to prepare a mock presentation of a dish or concept you love, as this can highlight your communication skills and passion for the role.

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