At a Glance
- 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: Opportunity for personal growth in a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of fast food with your culinary creativity.
- Qualifications: Experience in a professional kitchen and a love for Asian food are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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‑in‑class healthy food, latest technology, innovation, and talented workforce, itsu is the future of fast food.
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: Job Search Place Limited
itsu is an exceptional employer for those passionate about Asian cuisine, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and innovation in a fast-paced environment. With a commitment to employee growth through a sizeable training budget and a diverse, inclusive workplace, itsu provides competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and unique perks like free lunches and discounts, making it an attractive choice for culinary professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the food industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know itsu! Dive into their menu and understand their brand ethos. When you show genuine passion for Asian food and itsu's mission during interviews, it’ll definitely set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former itsu employees on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider tips and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! Prepare a few unique recipe ideas that align with itsu’s vision. Presenting your innovative thinking can really impress the hiring team and demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for Asian cuisine shine through! Share any personal experiences or dishes that inspire you. We want to see that foodie obsession in your words!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail your professional kitchen experience. Whether it's in a restaurant or a development kitchen, we want to know how your background prepares you for this role. Be specific about your responsibilities and achievements!
Be Organised and Clear:Your application should reflect your organisational skills. Use clear headings, bullet points, and concise language to make it easy for us to read. A tidy application mirrors a tidy kitchen, after all!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place 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 fit for the role.
✨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 help the interviewers see that you have the hands-on experience they’re looking for.
✨Demonstrate Your 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 show that you can handle the demands of the position.
✨Stay Updated on Food Trends
Research current food trends related to Asian cuisine before your interview. Bring up any recent innovations or popular dishes that excite you. This shows that you're proactive and engaged with the industry, which is crucial for a role focused on product innovation.
