At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative food solutions and lead engaging culinary presentations.
- Company: Join a century-old family-run food group with a passion for sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, car allowance, and a range of perks.
- Other info: Exciting growth opportunities in a supportive, purpose-driven environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role that blends creativity and commercial insight.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in food development, with a flair for culinary innovation.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Hybrid, ideally Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire
Competitive basic, bonus, car allowance & range of benefits
The Company
Our client is a highly successful 100+ year European food group, producing market-leading ingredients sold across Grocery Retail, Foodservice and to Food Manufacturers. As a family business, they’ve grown into a global leader through continuous investment in agriculture, innovation, and a passion for delivering great-tasting products. Recognised as a Great Place to Work™, this purpose-driven organisation is built on strong values, sustainability, and care — for people, the planet, and the food we enjoy.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a company where tradition meets innovation, and where your contribution can truly make a difference. As part of their continued investment for growth in the UK market they are now looking to appoint a Culinary Chef, who has the potential to grow and develop within the company.
The Role
Reporting to the Category & Commercial Manager, this is an exciting and highly creative role that combines culinary expertise with commercial insight to support the continued growth of the company's added-value ingredient portfolio. Working across the Industrial, Retail and Foodservice sectors, you will help transform market trends and consumer insight into commercially successful food solutions.
Working closely with Development, Marketing and Commercial teams across both the UK and France, you will develop, test and refine inspiring food applications that showcase ingredient functionality across a wide range of categories, including chilled, ready meals, bakery and plant-based products. From initial concept through to customer application, you'll ensure ideas are both technically feasible and commercially viable.
As the company's culinary ambassador, this position requires you to wear more than just your chef’s hat. ‘Front of house’ you will lead engaging customer presentations, tasting sessions and application workshops, tailoring concepts to individual customer requirements and market opportunities and represent the business at trade events and with industry bodies, while building strong relationships with customer NPD teams and culinary professionals.
The role also plays an important part in supporting the wider commercial strategy. Working alongside the Category & Commercial Manager, you'll contribute to presentations, trend reports, photography and other customer-facing materials, while continually monitoring food trends, competitor activity and emerging consumer insights to identify opportunities for innovation and category growth.
This is a really exciting role, with the platform to make a big difference by driving profitable sales growth and implementing high standards of commercially driven, innovative food solutions.
About You
Most importantly, you are a dedicated foodie with a wide-reaching, fun, engaging and dynamic personality.
On the food solution development front, you have at least 3 years’ food sector experience working as a Development Manager or Culinary Development Chef, within either an added value food manufacturer, grocery retailer or major food distributor, or alternatively, within a national pub group, hotel group or one of the leading high street QSR players.
You love working with suppliers and/or customers developing food solution ideas, taking food concepts to the next level and you are never happier than being ‘in the kitchen’, making the next food magic happen.
We’re keen to learn more about your success stories – especially those innovative culinary product solutions currently thriving in major grocery retail or foodservice channels.
This is a strategically important role, and we are seeking a uniquely talented commercially-minded Culinary Chef to help shape its future.
If this sounds like you, please forward your CV, along with your current benefits package details, quoting reference MS/2927 to: . Or simply call Mark Smith for an initial, confidential discussion on 07747 847214.
While we aim to respond to all applicants, there may be times where this is not possible due to a high volume of applications. If you have not heard from us within 10 working days, please assume that on this occasion you have been unsuccessful.
All third-party applications or approaches about this role will be rejected.
Closing Date for applications: 20th August 2026
Culinary Chef - FMCG in Norfolk employer: FMCG TALENT Ltd
FMCG TALENT Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation in the fast-paced FMCG sector. With a strong focus on employee development, we provide ample growth opportunities and a supportive culture that values analytical expertise and strategic thinking. Located in the heart of the UK market, our team enjoys the unique advantage of being at the forefront of industry trends while contributing to impactful revenue strategies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Culinary Chef - FMCG in Norfolk
✨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 FMCG TALENT Ltd.
✨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 FMCG TALENT Ltd!
✨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 FMCG TALENT Ltd, 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 FMCG TALENT Ltd, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Culinary Chef - FMCG in Norfolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at FMCG TALENT Ltd, 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 FMCG TALENT Ltd.
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 FMCG TALENT Ltd. 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 FMCG TALENT Ltd. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at FMCG TALENT Ltd
✨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 FMCG TALENT Ltd’s mission.
