At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of food by developing innovative culinary concepts and exploring market trends.
- Company: Join Kepak Foods, a leading player in the food industry with a vision for growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension, further education support, and wellness programmes.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for creativity and career advancement.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of food innovation and make a real impact on consumer trends.
- Qualifications: Professional chef qualification and 3+ years in food development required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Kepak Foods Division have developed a portfolio of brands that are successful in the chilled convenience, ambient and frozen meat categories in the UK, Ireland and chosen European markets for both Retail and Foodservice Customers. We have 5 Manufacturing Sites supported by shared services, with 1000 people supporting our vision to become a transformed, future proofed, profitable €0.5bn Food Business by 2030.
Are you passionate about food innovation and identifying the next big consumer trend? We're looking for an Innovation Development Chef to help shape the future of our product portfolio through culinary expertise, trend insight, and creative concept development. Working closely with our Head of Innovation and cross-functional teams, you'll transform consumer insights, market trends, and emerging food opportunities into exciting, commercially viable products that support business growth.
Responsibilities
- Discover What's Next: Identify emerging consumer, customer, category, and market opportunities. Research global food trends, ingredients, cuisines, technologies, formats, and consumer behaviours. Conduct food safaris, market visits, competitor benchmarking, trade exhibitions, and trend immersion activities to uncover inspiration. Translate market insights into actionable recommendations and innovative product concepts.
- Create & Develop Innovative Concepts: Support the development of strategically aligned innovation concepts that meet consumer, customer, and business needs. Source ingredients, benchmark products, and evaluate category developments to bring ideas to life. Produce high-quality culinary prototypes that showcase the potential of new opportunities. Contribute culinary expertise during concept evaluation, validation, and scoping stages of the innovation process. Assess concepts for consumer appeal, commercial viability, and operational feasibility.
- Drive Excellence: Champion food quality, authenticity, and culinary credibility throughout the innovation journey. Ensure all culinary activities are delivered to the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and quality. Support projects through to delivery, balancing creativity with practical execution. Identify opportunities for ingredient optimisation, value engineering, and operational efficiencies without compromising consumer experience.
Requirements
- Professional chef qualification or equivalent culinary background.
- 3+ years Development experience ideally within a food manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of food manufacturing and product development processes.
- Demonstrated experience in culinary innovation, concept development or foodservice development.
- Excellent food presentation, sensory evaluation and product benchmarking capabilities.
- Strong knowledge of food trends, consumer behaviour and market dynamics.
- Effective stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Commercial awareness and understanding of foodservice and retail environments.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Passion for food, curiosity and a continuous learning mindset.
Benefits
What can we offer you? Company Pension, Further Education support, Bike to Work Scheme - You can buy a bike and safety equipment through a salary sacrifice scheme which reduces your taxable income – meaning you pay less tax! Long Service Awards - We recognise, acknowledge and award the dedication and valuable contribution of long serving employees. GroceryAid Employee Assistance Program - help with a wide range of topics including mental health and wellbeing support, family and relationship advice, debt management, back to work support, and counselling for all Kepak colleagues and their families. Corporate gym membership at Ribby Hall Village BUPA Cash plan free of charge.
Innovation Development Chef in Kirkham employer: Kepak Group
Kepak Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and development. With a commitment to career growth through structured training and mentoring programmes, alongside generous benefits like 31 days of annual leave and a subsidised on-site canteen, we ensure our team members thrive both personally and professionally in the beautiful setting of Portlethen, Scotland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Innovation Development Chef in Kirkham
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Kepak Group.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Kepak Group!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Kepak Group, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Kepak Group, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Innovation Development Chef in Kirkham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Kepak Group, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Kepak Group.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Kepak Group. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Kepak Group. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kepak Group
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Kepak Group’s mission.
