At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and deliver innovative food concepts that wow customers and meet trends.
- Company: Join Hilton Foods, a leader in quality and innovation in the food industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, great holiday allowance, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with chances for internal promotion and learning from experts.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team and make delicious products that people love.
- Qualifications: Experience in culinary development and a passion for food presentation.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Grimsby, Laforey Rd
Salary: Competitive
Purpose of the role: To support the creation and delivery of innovative, high-quality food concepts that meet customer and consumer expectations. The Development Chef works collaboratively within the NPD team to translate food trends and insights into commercially viable, delicious products, maintaining high culinary standards and consistency throughout the development process.
As a Development Chef some of the responsibilities will be to:
- Support the development and delivery of food concepts that respond to customer briefs, category strategies, and emerging food trends.
- Work collaboratively with the Senior Development Chef, NPD Technologists, and Process Teams to bring new ideas from kitchen concept to factory-ready product.
- Prepare, test, and refine recipes to ensure exceptional quality, flavour, and visual presentation.
- Participate in customer presentations, tasting panels, and internal reviews, demonstrating passion for great food and attention to detail.
- Maintain a strong awareness of food trends, competitor activity, and innovation across retail and foodservice sectors.
- Ensure all developments are feasible for manufacture, meeting customer cost, nutritional, and technical standards.
- Support the Senior Development Chef in coaching and sharing best practice within the team.
- Uphold Hilton Foods’ values of quality, innovation, and collaboration, ensuring consistency across all culinary work.
- Assist in maintaining accurate records, samples, and documentation to support seamless product approval and launch.
To succeed as a Development Chef, we ask that you have the following experience/expertise:
- Proven experience as a Development Chef, Junior Development Chef, or Culinary Developer within food manufacturing, foodservice, or retail.
- Strong culinary background with a passion for flavour, quality, and presentation.
- Awareness of food trends, consumer insight, and innovation processes.
- Understanding of factory processes and scalability considerations.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
- Confident in presenting food and ideas to internal teams and customers.
- Enthusiastic, adaptable, and eager to learn from senior team members.
What you get in return:
- Great package with competitive holiday allowance
- Life assurance of minimum two times yearly salary
- Opportunities for development and internal promotion
- Share Save scheme
- Free car parking on site
- Enhanced Maternity/Paternity
Development Chef employer: Hilton Food Group
Hilton Food Group is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration in the fast-paced FMCG sector. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and ample opportunities for professional development, making it an ideal place for HR professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Chef
✨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 Hilton Food Group.
✨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 Hilton Food Group!
✨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 Hilton Food Group, 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 Hilton Food Group, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Hilton Food Group, 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 Hilton Food Group.
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 Hilton Food Group. 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 Hilton Food Group. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hilton Food Group
✨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 Hilton Food Group’s mission.
