At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative menus and improve kitchen performance across multiple sites.
- Company: Dynamic culinary company focused on exceptional dining experiences.
- Benefits: Free meals, flexible working, generous holiday allowance, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a collaborative environment with excellent growth potential.
- Why this job: Join a creative team and make a real impact in the culinary world.
- Qualifications: Experience in food operations and a passion for developing culinary talent.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you a passionate culinary leader who thrives on innovation, operational excellence, and creating exceptional dining experiences? We're looking for a Development Chef to help shape and elevate our food offer across multiple sites, bringing creativity, consistency, and commercial success to everything we do. In this exciting role, you'll work closely with operational teams, clients, and central support functions to develop market-leading food concepts, improve kitchen performance, and create memorable moments for homeowners and residents. If you're a hands-on problem solver with a passion for developing people and driving standards, we'd love to hear from you.
What you’ll be doing...
- Creating and implementing kitchen operating models that improve efficiency, consistency, and productivity across our sites.
- Developing seasonal menus, food concepts, client events, and resident engagement activities that keep our offer fresh, relevant, and exciting.
- Supporting the successful rollout of menu changes and commercial initiatives across multiple locations.
- Playing a key role in new contract mobilisations, ensuring kitchens are set up for success from day one.
- Working alongside our central teams to create market-leading menu propositions.
- Delivering kitchen skills training and coaching to chefs and catering teams across the estate.
- Supporting training programmes and operational development initiatives.
- Spending time within our sites to assess standards, identify opportunities, and drive gross profit improvement.
- Building strong relationships with operational teams and clients to ensure excellent service delivery and long-term partnerships.
Working pattern: Monday to Friday | 37.5 hours a week | Flexibility to travel required - Company car/car allowance included
What can you bring?
- Proven experience supporting food operations across multiple sites, formats, or contracts.
- A creative and entrepreneurial mindset, with the ability to develop innovative ideas that drive both customer satisfaction and commercial performance.
- Strong operational knowledge with a clear understanding of kitchen realities, including waste management, equipment utilisation, space planning, and food production.
- Exceptional attention to detail and a passion for maintaining high standards.
- Excellent organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- A strong understanding of current food trends, the wider culinary landscape, and market competition.
- Experience mentoring and developing Head Chefs, Executive Chefs, Catering Managers, and wider kitchen teams.
- The confidence to build relationships with senior stakeholders and clients, and to present ideas effectively at all levels.
- The ability to prioritise effectively, work at pace, and adapt to changing business needs.
- A collaborative approach with a genuine passion for developing people, improving performance, and delivering exceptional dining experiences.
Brilliant Work Deserves Brilliant Perks!
- Free, tasty meals – Enjoy tasty, nutritious food on us while you work!
- Flexible working – including part time roles, because life doesn’t run on a 9-5 schedule.
- Plenty of Time to Unwind – generous holiday allowance of 33 days, with the option to buy more.
- Leave for life’s important moments – whether family, personal or unexpected.
- Give back time – paid volunteering days for the causes you care about.
- Room to grow – career development and learning opportunities for all stages of your career.
- Financial security – pension schemes and life assurance.
- Drive in Style – Enjoy a company car or car allowance.
Development Chef - North employer: Elior Uk
As a Development Chef with us, you'll be part of a dynamic and innovative culinary team that values creativity and operational excellence. Our supportive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering generous benefits such as flexible working hours, a substantial holiday allowance, and opportunities for career development. With a focus on creating exceptional dining experiences across multiple sites, you'll enjoy the unique advantage of shaping our food offer while enjoying free meals and a company car or allowance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Chef - North
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Elior Uk. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Elior Uk
Don't be shy about reaching out to Elior Uk directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Chef - North
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Elior Uk and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elior Uk
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
