Development Chef Six-Month Fixed-Term Contract
£55,000£65,000 per annum, pro rata
UK travel between sites may be required
We are recruiting an exceptional Turkish Grill Development Chef for a major UK restaurant group developing an exciting new premium grill concept.
This is a specialist culinary development and training appointmentnot simply an operational chef position.
We are looking for a genuine Turkish grill expert who can develop an authentic, commercially successful food offering and transfer their knowledge to the companys permanent culinary team. You will take the concept from development through to implementation, establishing the recipes, systems, training materials and operating standards needed to deliver consistently across the business.
The role You will be responsible for:
Developing and refining a signature Turkish grill menu
Creating standout kebabs, grilled meats and traditional Turkish dishes
Selecting the correct meat cuts and establishing preparation and butchery standards
Developing marinades, seasoning blends and authentic cooking methods
Producing standardised recipes, specifications and portion controls
Establishing presentation and quality standards for every dish
Designing an efficient, commercially viable grill-counter operation
Writing clear kitchen procedures and standard operating procedures
Supporting menu trials, tastings and pre-opening preparation
Delivering practical, hands-on training to chefs
Demonstrating preparation and grilling techniques step by step
Coaching and assessing team members until they can consistently reproduce the required standards
Creating a training framework that can be replicated across multiple locations
Completing a structured handover to the permanent culinary team
About you We would like to speak with candidates who have:
Genuine expertise in Turkish charcoal grilling and traditional Turkish cooking
Extensive knowledge of kebabs, meat preparation, butchery, marinades and seasoning
Experience working within a respected Turkish grill restaurant, premium grill concept or similarly high-quality operation
Previous involvement in menu development, new openings or culinary concept development
The ability to document recipes and cooking processes accurately
Strong training, coaching and communication skills
A practical, hands-on approach and the credibility to lead experienced chefs
A strong understanding of consistency, food cost, portion control and commercial kitchen operations
The flexibility to support training and development across different locations when required
You may currently be working as a Development Chef, Executive Chef, Group Chef, Culinary Trainer, Turkish Grill Specialist or highly experienced Head Chef.
Most importantly, you must be able to:
Develop ? Standardise ? Document ? Demonstrate ? Train ? Assess ? Hand Over
By the end of the six-month engagement, the permanent culinary team must be capable of independently operating the Turkish grill counter and consistently delivering the required quality.
The package £55,000£65,000 annual equivalent, depending on experience
Salary paid pro rata for the six-month fixed-term contract
Senior, high-impact culinary development assignment
Opportunity to shape a new signature grill concept for a major restaurant group
Potential for a longer-term opportunity, subject to business requirements and performance
Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.
To apply, please submit your CV together with a short summary of your Turkish grill experience, the concepts or menus you have developed and any chefs or teams you have previously trained.
TPBN1_UKCT
Development Chef in Barnet employer: Hospitality Hunters
Chef Zone is an excellent employer for chefs seeking flexible work opportunities in Enfield and surrounding areas. With competitive hourly rates and a supportive work culture, we prioritise employee growth and satisfaction, ensuring that our chefs can thrive in a dynamic environment while enjoying ongoing assignments. Join us to be part of a team that values your skills and offers immediate work in a vibrant culinary scene.
