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- Tasks: Support the Innovation team in developing exciting new food products and recipes.
- Company: Leading international food business known for creativity and quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and growth opportunities in the food industry.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent exposure to creative and technical sides of product development.
- Why this job: Kick-start your career in food innovation and make a real impact on product development.
- Qualifications: Food Science degree or chef experience, with a passion for food trends.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 27000 £ per year.
We are partnering with a leading international food business known for delivering innovative, high-quality products across the UK retail channel. With a strong presence in the UK and European markets, the business prides itself on creativity, collaboration, and staying ahead of food trends.
The Innovation team sits at the heart of the organisation, working closely with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to bring exciting new concepts to life. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a dynamic, fast-paced environment where ideas are encouraged and developed into real products on shelves.
The Role
As a Junior Development Chef, you will support the Innovation team in developing new products and recipes aligned to customer and internal briefs. This is a hands-on, customer-facing role where you’ll work closely with retail buyers, suppliers, and internal teams, assisting with sample preparation, product testing, and presentations. You’ll help manage the day-to-day activities of the innovation kitchen, ensure food safety and quality standards are met, and contribute to trend research and market insights to support new product ideas.
This role offers excellent exposure to both the creative and technical sides of product development, making it ideal for someone early in their career looking to grow within the food industry.
You
We are looking for an enthusiastic and driven individual with a passion for food innovation. Ideal backgrounds include:
- A recent graduate with a Food Science or related degree, ideally with a placement year or 6–9 months’ industry experience
- Hands-on experience working as a chef in a professional kitchen
- Strong interest in food trends, product development, and the UK retail market
- Excellent communication skills and confidence working with customers and retail buyers
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail
- A proactive, team-oriented mindset with the ability to work independently when required
- Basic understanding of food safety and quality standards
If you’re looking to kick-start your career in food innovation within a collaborative and customer-facing environment, this is a brilliant opportunity to develop your skills and make a real impact.
Junior Development Chef employer: Henson Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Henson Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Development Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry professionals on LinkedIn or attend food innovation events. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! Create a portfolio of your best recipes and any innovative dishes you've developed. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s latest products and trends. We want you to impress them with your knowledge and passion for food innovation during those crucial conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Development Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: Let us see your enthusiasm for food innovation shine through in your application. Share any relevant experiences, whether it's a project from your studies or a creative dish you’ve developed. We love to see candidates who are genuinely excited about the industry!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure your CV and cover letter are tailored specifically for the Junior Development Chef role. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with our needs, like your understanding of food trends and any hands-on kitchen experience. This shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate candidates who can communicate effectively, as this is key when working with customers and suppliers.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at Henson Recruitment
✨Know Your Food Trends
Before the interview, dive deep into current food trends and innovations. Familiarise yourself with what's hot in the market and be ready to discuss how these trends can influence product development. This shows your passion for the industry and that you're proactive about staying informed.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to share your ideas on potential new products or recipes. Think about how you can bring something unique to the table. Being able to articulate your creative thought process will impress the interviewers and demonstrate your fit for a role that thrives on innovation.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves working closely with retail buyers and suppliers, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family, focusing on how you present your ideas and respond to questions. Good communication is key!
✨Understand Food Safety Standards
Brush up on your knowledge of food safety and quality standards. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure these standards are met in the kitchen. Showing that you take food safety seriously will reassure the interviewers that you’re a responsible candidate for the role.