At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative food solutions and deliver engaging culinary demonstrations.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Musgrave, a leader in food innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a balanced work-life schedule with competitive pay and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to drive culinary excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the culinary world while showcasing your creativity.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in a professional kitchen and a passion for food development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Full Time position, predominantly Monday to Friday, 9–5 (with occasional flexibility for major events)
We are recruiting a
Development Chef to elevate our food credentials and culinary expertise, delivering an enhanced level of service to our customers, bringing culinary innovation to life.
This role will focus on providing innovative food solutions, driving cost efficiencies, and sharing knowledge across key areas of spend.
The Development Chef will work closely with the trading team, food service sales teams and the Key Account team, contributing to strategic growth and customer engagement.
This role offers work-life balance – predominantly Monday to Friday, 9–5 (with occasional flexibility for major events)
Theatre Kitchen & Demonstrations
- Deliver engaging and informative food demonstrations daily for both Food Service colleagues and Retail customers, showcasing product versatility and culinary innovation.
- Plan and execute seasonal food events, showcasing relevant products and driving seasonal sales.
- Assist in managing the Theatre Kitchen and ensuring its clean, organised and HACCP compliant.
- Record and manage stock used during demonstrations, following established processes.
- Maintain fridge and freezer hygiene and temperature logs in line with HACCP standards
- Ensure all cooking activities are properly documented and aligned with food safety protocols.
Food Emporium Customer Events & New Product Development
- Lead and support culinary experiences at Food Emporium events, enhancing customer interaction and brand perception.
- Assist in creating and testing new recipes, product concepts and product replacement, ensuring offerings meet customer needs and market trends.
- Help prepare samples and prototypes for internal reviews and customer presentations.
- Contribute ideas to improve existing product range and enhancing customer choice.
- Assist in gathering feedback from demonstrations and workshops to inform product refinement.
- Provide product training and support to foodservice teams, enhancing their product knowledge and customer engagement capabilities.
- Participate in customer workshops, offering practical advice on menu solutions and cost effective product usage.
- Provide basis financial breakdowns and portion cost guidance to customers under supervision.
Marketing Initiatives
- Collaborate with the Marketing team to develop and execute food-led campaigns and initiatives that align with business strategy.
Other business
- Participate in Retail Council meetings, offering culinary insights and contributing to product development discussions.
- Represent the business in Hospitality Ulster forums, promoting our food solutions and building industry relationships.
- Any other business as directed by your manager.
What we are looking for
- Minimum 2 years experience in a professional kitchen or foodservice environment.
- Full Driving licence and access to a car.
- Strong interest in food development and culinary innovation with a good understanding of ingredients, nutrition, and recipe creation.
- Willingness to learn about food manufacturing processes and recipe scalability.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.
- Commercial awareness and basic numeracy skills (e. g., portion costing, profitability).
- A team player with a proactive attitude and a passion for food innovation and customer service.
- Strong understanding of food trends, cost control, and menu development.
- Ability to work cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, and Trading teams.
What is nice to have
- Professional culinary qualification or equivalent experience as a Development Chef or similar culinary role
- Training experience would be advantageous.
- Experience in Food Service or Retail environments
- Experience in customer-facing roles and event delivery.
- Familiarity with industry bodies such as Hospitality Ulster etc
Musgrave is an equal opportunities employer.
We encourage applications from diverse candidates.
If we can make any accommodations to enable you to be the best version of yourself during the interview, please let us know.
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Development Chef employer: Musgrave Group Plc
Musgrave is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment where your contributions directly impact local communities. With a strong commitment to career development and innovation, employees enjoy numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth while being part of a legacy that values sustainability and community engagement. Located in Belfast, the role of Customer Service Retail Supervisor not only allows you to lead a passionate team but also to foster a customer-focused culture that drives success across our iconic brands.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Chef
✨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 Musgrave Group Plc.
✨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 Musgrave Group Plc!
✨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 Musgrave Group Plc, 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 Musgrave Group Plc, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Musgrave Group Plc, 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 Musgrave Group Plc.
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 Musgrave Group Plc. 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 Musgrave Group Plc. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Musgrave Group Plc
✨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 Musgrave Group Plc’s mission.
