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: 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 your culinary creativity.
- Qualifications: Passion for Asian food and experience in a professional kitchen.
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 in London 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 supportive team environment. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to employee development through a sizeable training budget, itsu provides ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. Located in the heart of the UK, employees enjoy a unique blend of culinary exploration and career advancement within a rapidly expanding brand dedicated to healthy eating.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Chef in London
✨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
Prepare for practical tests! As a Development Chef, you might be asked to whip up a dish or innovate a recipe on the spot. Brush up on your cooking skills and be ready to showcase your creativity and organisation.
✨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, it shows you’re serious about joining the itsu family!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Chef in London
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 you're not just a chef, but a true foodie at heart.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail your experience in professional kitchens or development settings. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so mention specific roles and responsibilities that relate to recipe innovation and kitchen management.
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 see your qualifications. A tidy application mirrors a tidy kitchen!
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 don’t miss out on any important updates from us. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own channels!
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 experiences you've had with Asian culinary techniques. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and align with itsu's brand values.
✨Highlight Your Kitchen Experience
Be prepared to talk about your previous roles in professional kitchens. Discuss the types of cuisines you've worked with, your responsibilities, and any innovative recipes you've developed. This will help the interviewers see how your background fits into their kitchen environment.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Since the role requires a highly organised individual, come ready with examples of how you've managed kitchen operations or projects in the past. Talk about how you keep track of ingredients, maintain cleanliness, and ensure everything runs smoothly in a fast-paced environment.
✨Stay Updated on Food Trends
Research current food trends, especially those related to Asian cuisine and healthy eating. Bring up any recent innovations or products that excite you during the interview. This shows that you're proactive and passionate about staying ahead in the culinary world, which is crucial for a Development Chef.
