At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and develop exciting new dishes and menus for Harry's Restaurants.
- Company: Join a vibrant team at Harry's, where Italian culture meets culinary excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, employee discounts, birthday off, and wellness support.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career growth and recognition.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative culinary journey that shapes dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience as a chef with a passion for food and creativity.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
Drawing inspiration from mid-century Italian elegance, Harry's beckons you to experience its warm ambiance, where rustic charm seamlessly blends with culinary excellence amid rich, dark wood accents and the heartfelt spirit of traditional Italian hospitality. Our establishments are sanctuaries of Italian culture, creating an inviting atmosphere that transports guests to the very heart of Italy.
We’re looking for a talented and creative Development Chef to play a key role in shaping the food and menus across Harry’s Restaurants. Combining culinary creativity with commercial awareness, you’ll create, test and develop dishes that are exciting, cost-effective, scalable and true to the Harry’s brand. Working closely with Operations, Marketing, Menu Development, NPD and Supply Chain, you’ll bring new concepts to life and help ensure quality and consistency across our restaurants.
What you’ll be doing:
- Creating, testing and developing new dishes, seasonal menus, specials and set menus.
- Evolving existing dishes to continually improve quality, consistency and guest experience.
- Presenting new concepts and dishes during regular tasting sessions with our senior culinary team.
- Keeping ahead of food trends, new ingredients and emerging concepts to inspire future menus.
- Supporting menu launches and marketing campaigns with creative, brand-led food development.
- Leading the culinary preparation and food styling for Harry’s photoshoots.
- Working with NPD and suppliers to test new ingredients and products.
- Monitoring the performance of new dishes and using operational and sales feedback to refine them.
- Maintaining accurate recipes, imagery and specifications within Apicbase.
- Visiting restaurants to support menu implementation, test dishes and ensure consistency.
- Working with Area Chefs and L&D to support kitchen training and create food training content for new menu launches.
- Ensuring all development work meets the highest standards of food safety, allergen management, hygiene and brand compliance.
- Supporting the smooth running of our North Acton Development Kitchen.
What we’re looking for:
- Strong experience as a chef, ideally with exposure to menu, concept or product development.
- A genuine passion for food, creativity and emerging culinary trends.
- Strong commercial awareness, with an understanding of cost, scalability and operational delivery.
- Excellent knowledge of food safety, allergens and quality standards.
- Confidence working collaboratively across culinary, operations, marketing and supplier teams.
- Strong organisation skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and menu launches.
- Someone who can balance creativity with the consistency required across a multi-site restaurant business.
Benefits & Rewards:
- Competitive Salary: Benchmarked to industry.
- Enjoy the Ivy Magic as a Guest: Enjoy an employee dining discount across The Ivy Collection, so you can experience the restaurants you help bring to life.
- Your Birthday Celebrated: Enjoy a guaranteed day off on your birthday, giving you the time to relax, celebrate, and enjoy the occasion your way.
- Career Milestones Recognition: We commemorate each work anniversary with a dining voucher, our way of recognising the contribution you make to the team over time.
- Long Service Holiday Reward: With our long service holiday reward, you receive additional holiday allowance with length of service, rewarding loyalty and dedication as your career with us grows.
- Get Paid, Your Way: Through the app, you can make use of practical tools and guidance to help you earn, learn, save, spend and borrow with greater confidence.
- Always-On Wellbeing & Safety Support: Support should always be there when it matters most. That is why we offer 24/7 confidential wellbeing and safety support, whenever you need guidance, reassurance or practical help.
- Retail & Lifestyle Discounts: Access discounts on hundreds of retailers, plus health, entertainment, travel and more.
About us:
Our shared CARING values help create an environment where we are happy and engaged, care for ourselves, our colleagues, and our guests, and celebrate our individualities and differences.
Development Chef employer: Ivy Restaurants Ltd
The Ivy Collection is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee well-being and growth. As an Events Manager in one of the UK's most-loved restaurant brands, you will enjoy generous benefits such as a 50% staff discount, extra holiday allowance, and opportunities for career development, all while being part of a supportive team that values individuality and celebrates success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Chef
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Ivy Restaurants Ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Ivy Restaurants Ltd
Don't be shy about reaching out to Ivy Restaurants Ltd directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Ivy Restaurants Ltd and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ivy Restaurants Ltd
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
