At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage exciting food development projects for diverse clients in a vibrant kitchen environment.
- Company: Join Good Food Studio, a dynamic team in the heart of London’s food scene.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative work culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexibility required; expect some evening or weekend work and occasional travel.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of culinary innovation and make a real impact on food trends.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in trendy kitchens, strong computer skills, and a passion for food.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 38000 £ per year.
Salary: £32,000–£38,000 (depending on experience)
Location: Camberwell, London (SE5)
Employment: Full-time
Industry: Food & Beverages
Please note: Only UK-based applicants will be considered, and only those able to travel daily to South London where the studio is based.
About the Role
Our team is growing, and we’re looking for a Development Chef to join us at Good Food Studio to manage our pipeline of development work for our diverse client base, which includes FMCG brands, restaurants, casual dining groups, and QSRs. As part of our development team, you’ll manage projects and development plans for client briefs — working across innovative ideas, inspirational food, and process efficiencies. We’re looking for an experienced chef with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in trendy restaurants in London. The ideal candidate will be comfortable managing a section in a busy kitchen, confident in food presentation, and eager to develop a commercial understanding of product development. Our studio is based in Camberwell (SE5), and you’ll also spend time on-site with clients to help implement projects, run tastings, and troubleshoot as required.
What You Need to Have
- Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in a professional kitchen environment.
- Serious computer skills – we use a wide range of software and online systems, and catching up fast will be crucial.
- Experience in FMCG (not essential but a bonus).
- Level 3 Award in Food Hygiene.
- Valid driving licence (access to a car is a plus, as some national travel may be required).
- Background in culinary arts or food science.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
What You’ll Be Doing and Learning at GFS
- Assisting in projects end-to-end, learning from our experienced team.
- Conducting market and trend research, with strong technical, formatting, and presentation skills.
- Researching and presenting insights relevant to client briefs.
- Applying commercial understanding to cost engineering, menu development, and analytical recipe writing.
- Sourcing and liaising with ingredient suppliers, negotiating best prices and specifications.
- Developing menus and recipes in line with client briefs and nutritional guidelines.
- Using our recipe system to create dishes that meet strict nutritional and operational criteria.
- Producing training materials and specifications, and assisting in setting up training plans for new projects.
- Helping to formulate briefs and assist in client pitches — a client-facing role with exposure to high-level presentations and tenders.
- Maintaining day-to-day upkeep of the development kitchen, ensuring it’s well-stocked and presentable.
- Embracing a proactive attitude — no task is “not my job.”
Additional Information
We launch and manage businesses and projects across varied client schedules, so flexibility is key. You can expect some evening or weekend work, and occasional national travel.
Development Chef in London employer: Good Food Studio - Food & Restaurant Consultancy
Good Food Studio is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and innovative work culture, perfect for culinary professionals looking to make a significant impact in the food industry. Located in the heart of South London, we offer our Development Chef not only competitive benefits but also ample opportunities for personal and professional growth through diverse client projects and collaboration with leading FMCG brands and restaurants. Join us to be part of a dynamic team where creativity thrives and your culinary expertise can shine.
Contact Details:
Good Food Studio - Food & Restaurant Consultancy Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Chef in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend food industry events, workshops, or even local markets. Chat with fellow chefs and industry folks; you never know who might have a lead on your dream Development Chef role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes and projects. When you meet potential employers, having something tangible to share can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a company you love, reach out directly. Even if they’re not advertising a position, expressing your interest can put you on their radar for future opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to showcase your experience and passion for food. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Chef in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Development Chef role. Highlight your relevant experience in trendy restaurants and any projects you've managed that align with our client briefs. We want to see how your skills fit into our team!
Show Off Your Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your culinary skills and computer proficiency. Mention any software you’re familiar with, as we use a variety of tools. The more we know about your capabilities, the better!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for food and development, and explain why you’re excited about joining Good Food Studio. We love seeing enthusiasm and a proactive attitude!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get your journey started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Good Food Studio - Food & Restaurant Consultancy
✨Know Your Culinary Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your culinary skills and knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience in trendy restaurants and how it relates to the role. Think about specific dishes you've created or techniques you've mastered that could impress the interviewers.
✨Show Off Your Project Management Skills
Since this role involves managing development projects, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully handled similar tasks in the past. Talk about your approach to managing timelines, collaborating with teams, and ensuring client satisfaction.
✨Get Familiar with Food Trends
Research current food trends and market insights relevant to the FMCG sector. Being able to discuss these trends during your interview will show that you're proactive and have a commercial understanding of product development, which is key for this role.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As this position requires excellent communication skills, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Whether it's discussing your culinary background or presenting ideas, being confident and concise will help you make a great impression.
