Recipe Development Chef (6-month FTC) in London

More Than Just A Job Our mission is to make healthy eating easy and for this we supply incredible, mindfully sourced ingredients to empower people to live healthier lives, whilst using our expertise to educate and reduce our environmental impact. An exciting opportunity to join the UK’s most loved recipe box company. Since starting in 2015 Mindful Chef has proudly delivered missions of nutritious meals nationwide. We’ve earned top spot on Trustpilot rankings making us officially the UK’s #1 rated recipe box and today we’re backed by the biggest food business in the world. This is a rare opportunity to join this close-knit food team driven by bold aspirations.

What we are looking for:

• We are looking for an experienced, creative Recipe Development Chef to craft delicious, healthy recipes using premium, sustainably sourced ingredients.
• As our Development Chef, you will work cross-functionally with Buying, Marketing, Creative and Brand teams to ensure recipes are developed using the freshest in-season ingredients and are written, presented and photographed in line with Mindful Chef’s brand and style guidelines.

You are:

• An accomplished chef with a track record of recipe creation, development, and writing.
• Proficient in the editorial aspects of recipe development with a meticulous eye for detail.
• Exceptionally organised, adept at managing multiple priorities and meeting tight deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• A team player with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• A culinary enthusiast with a passion for healthy food. A background in nutrition is desirable but not mandatory.
• A skilled communicator comfortable engaging with stakeholders at all levels.
• Capable of providing constructive feedback during group recipe discussions.
• Experience in developing family-friendly recipes, with an understanding of what appeals to both children and parents, is highly desirable.

You will:

• Conceptualise, cost and prepare deliciously healthy recipes based on briefs and culinary trends.
• Manage multiple recipes and projects simultaneously, consistently delivering to weekly testing and development deadlines.
• Conduct internal data research to analyse ingredient and recipe trends, using insights to inform recipe development.
• Improve existing recipes based on customer feedback to enhance quality and taste.
• Collaborate with the kitchen team to brainstorm innovative recipe ideas that align with customer preferences.
• Participate in meaningful group discussions at tasting sessions.
• Present and style dishes for recipe photography and promotional campaigns.
• Ensure accuracy in ordering for weekly testing and managing ingredient inventory in the Mindful Chef development kitchen.
• Uphold kitchen cleanliness and organisation standards.
• Work closely with the Recipe Editor to refine recipe methods and uphold style guidelines.
• Contribute to the continual improvement of the food team processes, ensuring efficiency and innovation in recipe development and kitchen operations.
• Collaborate with the Buying team to optimise ingredient cross-utilisation across the weekly menu to minimise food waste and operational complexity.
• Assist with NPD and EPD briefs, participating in ingredient testing, and onboarding.
• Proof weekly recipe booklets as a final check before print, ensuring consistency in both recipe accuracy and presentation.

Why us?

• A competitive package that rewards your skills and dedication.
• Hybrid working from our office based in Wandsworth.
• Be part of a Better Business (B-Corp), making a positive impact on profit, people, and planet.
• Join an award-winning startup backed by the largest food and beverage company globally.
• Experience a workplace that feels like home, complete with free meals, a gym, a vertical farm, and pet-friendly policies.
• Prioritise your well-being with perks like Vitality health insurance, access to learning resources, mental health support, and a generous holiday package (30 days + bank holidays).
• Enjoy a 50% discount on all Mindful Chef products.
• Enhanced policy of up to 6 months full pay primary parental leave and up to 6 weeks full pay secondary parental leave.

About us:

We are MINDFUL. This is intrinsic to everything we do. From the healthy recipes we design, to the local, expert and caring suppliers we select and the way we treat each other, our customers and our environment. We are CONNECTED to each other and the world around us, championing a food system that supports both people and planetary health. Guided by our community, we value shared food memories, trust, openness, and honest relationships—staying real and true to ourselves and each other as we grow. We are UNAFRAID. We want to be the best – to challenge conventions, to think differently and be imaginative in how we solve problems. Brave enough to take on the big players and to do what’s right even when it’s difficult.

Equal Opportunities: At Mindful Chef, we embrace diversity and inclusion as a foundation that enriches our culture and fuels the success of our business. We are mindful of everyone’s differences and we take pride in the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that each individual brings to our team. We are unafraid to tackle biases and challenge stereotypes, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their personal strengths. Our commitment to diversity is not just a policy; it's a personal and collective responsibility that we take to heart. We believe that by being mindful of our differences, unafraid to confront barriers, and embracing the personal stories and journeys of our team members, we can achieve greater innovation, creativity, and harmony in the workplace. Together we celebrate diversity, and together, we are better.