At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culinary innovation and develop exciting new food products that wow customers.
- Company: Join Associated Seafoods, a leader in seafood processing with a passion for quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, health support, and a vibrant work culture.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and travel.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food with your creativity and culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Culinary experience and a knack for turning trends into tasty products.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: On site / Buckie, UK
Job type: Permanent / Full-time
Sector and subsector: Agriculture, Fishing, Forestry and Food Processing | General
Salary: Competitive salary
Reporting to: NPD Manager
Contract: Permanent
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week with flexibility required
Salary: Competitive salary and benefits package, depending on skills and experience.
About us
Associated Seafoods is the parent company of Lossie Seafoods, Moray Seafoods and LFO. We strive to source, process, and supply the finest range of seafood products to customers around the world. We offer comprehensive benefits including competitive salary, medical and mental health support, life insurance, cycle to work scheme as well as company pension.
About the Role
We are looking for a creative and passionate Group Development Chef with a flair for innovation and a proactive approach to product development. In this role, you will lead the culinary development of new and existing products across the business, transforming ideas into commercially successful products that delight customers and strengthen our market position. Working closely with Commercial, Technical, Operations, Procurement and our customers, you will play a key role in taking products from concept through to successful factory manufacture.
Key Responsibilities
- Culinary Innovation & Product Development
- Lead the creation and development of innovative food concepts that meet customer and business objectives.
- Translate food trends and consumer insights into commercially viable product concepts.
- Develop detailed, accurate recipes and process documentation to ensure products are feasible for efficient factory manufacture.
- Continuously review and improve existing products to enhance quality, value and consumer appeal.
- Prepare and present products confidently to customers, showcasing new concepts and innovations.
- Attend customer meetings alongside Commercial and NPD teams.
- Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers and culinary partners to support successful product development.
- Manage the day-to-day operation of the development kitchen, ensuring it remains organised, fully equipped and audit ready.
- Coordinate the preparation and dispatch of customer samples, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
- Lead kitchen trials and support factory trials to ensure products transfer successfully into production.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Commercial, Technical, Procurement, Planning and Operations throughout the development process.
- Support the successful launch of new products by ensuring effective communication across departments.
- Collaborate with suppliers to identify new ingredients, technologies and opportunities for innovation.
- Drive improvements within the product development process to enhance efficiency and consistency.
- Identify opportunities to improve kitchen operations, sample management and development workflows.
- Support cost-effective decision-making through ingredient selection and process optimisation.
About You
- Passionate about food, innovation and culinary excellence.
- Creative with the ability to turn ideas into commercially successful products.
- A confident communicator who enjoys presenting products and engaging with customers.
- Highly organised with excellent planning and time management skills.
- Collaborative and able to build strong relationships across departments and with external partners.
- Adaptable and comfortable managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Flexible and willing to travel regularly between company sites and customer locations.
You will ideally bring:
- A strong culinary background with experience in recipe development within a food manufacturing or multi-site environment.
- Experience translating food trends into commercially viable product concepts.
- Good understanding of food safety, HACCP, allergen management and compliance requirements.
- Experience working with suppliers and knowledge of ingredient sourcing and cost optimisation.
- Exposure to customer-facing product development roles.
- Experience within seafood or chilled food manufacturing (desirable).
- Knowledge of factory processes and large-scale manufacturing (desirable).
What We Offer
- The opportunity to shape the future of our product portfolio through innovation and creativity.
- A varied and rewarding role working across multiple sites and directly with customers.
- A collaborative and supportive environment where your ideas can make a real impact.
- Opportunities for professional development within a growing and ambitious food manufacturing business.
- The chance to work alongside passionate colleagues committed to quality, innovation and continuous improvement.
Additional Requirements
- Regular travel between company sites, including Arbroath and Buckie.
- Regular travel to customer meetings and product presentations.
- Full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle.
Please note, this role does not qualify for UK Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must have the unrestricted right to work in the UK at the time of application, as we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
Group Development Chef in Buckie employer: Hollybank Trustees Ltd
At Associated Seafoods, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that fosters creativity and innovation. As a Group Development Chef, you will enjoy a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including medical support and a company pension, while working in a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our product portfolio. With regular travel between our sites in Buckie and Arbroath, you'll be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering high-quality seafood products to customers worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Development Chef in Buckie
✨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 Hollybank Trustees 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 Hollybank Trustees 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 Hollybank Trustees 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 Hollybank Trustees Ltd, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Development Chef in Buckie
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Hollybank Trustees 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 Hollybank Trustees 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 Hollybank Trustees 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 Hollybank Trustees Ltd. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hollybank Trustees 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 Hollybank Trustees Ltd’s mission.
