At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation of innovative food-on-the-move ranges from concept to launch.
- Company: Join a B Corp certified, Carbon Neutral food business with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for UK and occasional European travel.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth in a sustainable, innovative food industry.
- Why this job: Combine culinary creativity with leadership in a dynamic, impactful environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in NPD or high-volume kitchens, strong leadership and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Lead Development Chef / Head Development Chef
Location: Flax Bourton, Bristol
Salary: £52,000–£53,000 + benefits
Monday–Friday | UK travel + occasionally Europe
We are seeking an experienced, creative and commercially minded Lead Development Chef / Head Development Chef to join a highly successful specialist food business based at their beautiful innovations centre near Bristol.
With over 35 years' experience, the business develops innovative food-on-the-move solutions for leading brands across the UK and internationally.
It is a B Corp certified, Carbon Neutral organisation with a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture where innovation, sustainability and people are at the heart of the business.
The Role
To lead the development of exciting, commercially viable food-on-the-move ranges across the clients customer base — from first idea through to launch.
The Lead Development Chef owns the creative and technical direction of NPD.
They hold the day-to-day development relationship with key customers, turn a brief into a range that hits the target cost and the operational reality of the outlet, and sign it off as ready for manufacture.
They also lead and develop the development chef team, setting the standards the NPD kitchen works to.
You will
- Lead and mentor two Development Chefs.
- Develop innovative, commercially viable food ranges.
- Manage key customer relationships and present concepts and products.
- Manage multiple NPD projects to brief, cost, margin and deadline.
- Lead trials and support successful manufacturing scale-up.
- Ensure recipes and specifications are accurate and commercially achievable.
- Work closely with Technical, Manufacturing and Commercial teams.
- Maintain high standards of food safety, HACCP, hygiene and kitchen control.
- Identify emerging food, ingredient and consumer trends.
- Travel across the UK, with occasional European travel.
About You
You will be a proactive, blue-sky-thinking chef and excellent team player with outstanding communication skills and commercial awareness.
Ideally you will have
- 5+ years' experience in NPD, food manufacturing or high-volume commercial kitchens.
- Proven experience taking products from concept to launch.
- Experience leading or mentoring chefs.
- Strong understanding of scale-up, costing and margins.
- Excellent recipe costing and specification skills.
- Customer-facing and presentation experience.
- Food-related qualification, e. g.
NVQ Level 2 Professional Cookery.
- Level 3 Food Safety & Hygiene.
- Full, clean UK driving licence.
Retail, food-to-go, foodservice, international, fine-dining or HACCP experience would be advantageous.
The Opportunity
A fantastic opportunity to combine culinary creativity, customer interaction and senior NPD leadership, working with major brands and a wide variety of food products.
If you are passionate about food, a natural leader, creative thinker and commercially focused chef, this could be an excellent next career move.
Alternative job titles may include
Head of Food Development, Head of Culinary Development, Head of NPD Food, Development Chef Lead, Food Innovation & Development Lead, Head of Culinary Innovation, Senior Development Chef, NPD Chef Manager, Head of Product Development Food
Lead Development Chef in Bristol employer: Manucomm
At Wincanton, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement. As a Site Technical Manager, you will enjoy a competitive salary and benefits while leading a dedicated team in a dynamic manufacturing environment. Our commitment to employee growth and development, coupled with a strong focus on food safety and quality, makes Wincanton a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Development Chef in Bristol
✨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 Manucomm.
✨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 Manucomm!
✨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 Manucomm, 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 Manucomm, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Development Chef in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Manucomm, 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 Manucomm.
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 Manucomm. 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 Manucomm. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Manucomm
✨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 Manucomm’s mission.
