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- Tasks: Create innovative Asian recipes and manage kitchen operations for product development.
- Company: Join itsu, a leading healthy eating brand with a passion for Asian cuisine.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, health insurance, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of fast food with exciting culinary innovations.
- Qualifications: Experience in a professional kitchen and a love for Asian food are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The ideal candidate:
- A passion for Asian food and an obsessed foodie
- Experience working in a professional kitchen, restaurant or development kitchen
- Be able to work in a small team and individually
- Highly organised and self-motivated individual
About us:
itsu is the healthy eating, Asian inspired quick service retail & grocery brand with over 70 stores in the UK and a leading grocery business across Europe and beyond. Renowned for its best-in-class food made fresh in every shop every day, itsu has huge global ambitions with a commitment to continue to open many more stores and intensify the growth of its already thriving grocery arm. With its best-is-class healthy food, latest technology, innovation, and talented workforce, itsu is the future of fast food. itsu [grocery], which this role falls under, takes the itsu brand into supermarkets, health food stores, online, wholesale and internationally with products such as crispy seaweed thins, frozen gyoza & bao, brilliant’broth, rice’noodles & miso’easy to name a few…
D&I statement: itsu [grocery] is committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive organisation. We encourage applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply for all of our opportunities.
Scope of the role:
Itsu [grocery] are looking for a Kitchen Developer to be responsible for recipe innovation and supporting the Senior NPD Manager on delivering products from ideation to sign off at Gate 2. The successful candidate will have day to day management of the kitchen and ingredient store and be responsible for cooking up the product range and samples as per requests.
Product innovation:
- Makes up recipes to meet the brief from the Senior NPD Manager and pro-actively considers how to approach, providing alternative ideas that are commercially viable and scalable.
- Accurately documents kitchen recipes, methods and briefs out to suppliers.
- Works with the Senior NPD Managers and suppliers to review sample submissions and provides feedback.
- Pro-actively arranges tasting of samples developed or samples requested.
- Keeps up to date with food trends related to the category and new products that emerge within retail and restaurants.
Kitchen management:
- Maintains a tidy, organised and clean kitchen.
- Ensures all ingredients required to produce kitchen samples for live NPD projects are maintained in stock.
- Supports with the general NPD shopping list, keeping the rest of the team pro-actively updated on ability to source required ingredients / samples.
- Cooks up products and dishes as per requests for business meetings.
- Organises and supports products for external customer meetings.
What we offer:
- Competitive salary
- Competitive bonus scheme
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays (two bank holidays are interchangeable for other religious holidays)
- Health insurance
- Company pension scheme
- 50% employee discount in itsu shops
- Free itsu lunch
- Discounts at major retailers
- A sizeable training budget to support your ongoing development
Development Chef employer: Itsu Limited
Contact Detail:
Itsu Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get your culinary creativity flowing! When you’re in the kitchen, don’t just stick to the basics. Experiment with flavours and techniques that showcase your passion for Asian cuisine. This will not only impress during tastings but also show your potential to innovate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with other foodies and professionals in the industry. Attend food fairs, workshops, or even local cooking classes. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can offer valuable advice.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay organised! Keep track of your recipes, ideas, and feedback from tastings. A well-documented process shows you’re serious about your craft and ready to take on the responsibilities of a Development Chef.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm for joining the itsu team right from the start!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: Let your love for Asian cuisine shine through in your application. Share any personal experiences or culinary adventures that highlight your foodie obsession and how it aligns with our brand at itsu.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail your professional kitchen experience, whether it's in a restaurant or development kitchen. We want to see how your background prepares you for the role of Development Chef and how you can contribute to our innovative team.
Be Organised and Clear: Since this role requires a high level of organisation, ensure your application is well-structured and easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary and keep your language clear and concise to demonstrate your organisational skills.
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’re considered for this exciting opportunity at itsu. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Itsu Limited
✨Show Your Passion for Asian Cuisine
Make sure to express your love for Asian food during the interview. Share specific dishes you enjoy cooking or eating, and discuss any unique experiences you've had with Asian cuisine. This will demonstrate your genuine interest and align with itsu's brand values.
✨Highlight Your Kitchen Experience
Be ready to talk about your previous roles in professional kitchens. Share examples of how you've contributed to recipe development or kitchen management. This will show that you have the hands-on experience needed for the Development Chef role.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Since the role requires a highly organised individual, prepare to discuss how you manage your time and tasks in a busy kitchen environment. You could mention tools or methods you use to stay organised, which will reassure them of your ability to handle the responsibilities of the position.
✨Stay Updated on Food Trends
Research current food trends, especially those related to Asian cuisine and grocery products. Bring up any recent innovations or popular items in the market during your interview. This shows that you're proactive and can contribute fresh ideas to their product range.