At a Glance
- Tasks: Partner with customers to create innovative menu solutions and drive business growth.
- Company: Family-run foodservice wholesaler with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, performance bonus, and extensive staff discounts.
- Other info: Enjoy remote work and a family-led culture that values your ideas.
- Why this job: Use your culinary skills to make a real impact in the hospitality industry.
- Qualifications: Trained chef with 2+ years as Head Chef or Development Chef.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
- (Field-based with travel across your region)
- Hours
- 40 per week (Monday - Friday), Full Time Permanent Contract
Ready to take your culinary career beyond the kitchen?
Pilgrim Foodservice is a family-run foodservice wholesaler supplying food, drink and catering products to hospitality and catering businesses across the UK.
Our customers include restaurants, pubs, hotels, schools, care homes and other foodservice operators.
Founded in 1979, we employ 350 people across 4 sites in Boston, Colchester, Dewsbury and Dereham
We’re looking for a Customer Development Partner who combines culinary expertise with business insight.
You’ll work closely with customers to create menus, develop new product ranges, and drive growth—both theirs and ours.
It’s a position that blends innovation, relationship-building, and strategic thinking.
This opportunity is about supporting our customers and helping businesses thrive.
If you’re ready to bring your chef experience into a consultative, customer-facing position where your skills, ideas, and values truly matter, we’d love to meet you
Key Responsibilities
- Partner with customers to develop innovative, practical menu solutions.
- Lead tastings, cook-offs, and product demonstrations that inspire customers.
- Collaborate with procurement, sales, and marketing to launch new products and menu ideas.
- Build strong customer relationships, identifying opportunities to help business growth and attain aspirations within their business.
- Stay ahead of food trends, supplier innovation, and market opportunities.
- Represent the company with professionalism and integrity in every interaction
Skills & Experience
- Trained chef with a minimum 2 years’ experience as a Head Chef or Development Chef
- Strong background in menu development, culinary innovation, and coaching or training teams.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills capable of building trust with a wide range of people.
- Commercial awareness: ability to balance creativity with business growth
- Highly organised, resilient, providing commercial solutions with attention to results.
- Full clean UK driving licence and willingness to travel throughout Lincolnshire (company car provided)
What We Offer
- Competitive salary reflecting your experience and contribution.
- Company car.
- Performance-related bonus.
- Large staff discount on products from our website
- Company Pension Scheme
- Life Assurance at 2 x salary
- Remote working with all equipment (laptop, phone, company car) provided
- Comprehensive benefits including wellbeing support, staff discounts, and enhanced holiday entitlement.
- A supportive, family-led culture where ideas are valued, success is celebrated, and people come first.
If you're ready to take your culinary expertise beyond the kitchen and make a real impact with customers, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today and join a family-run business where your knowledge, ideas and passion for food can help shape the future of hospitality.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Customer Development Partner in Lincoln employer: Pilgrim Foodservice Ltd
Pilgrim Foodservice Ltd is an excellent employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture in Boston, England. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the company offers numerous opportunities for professional advancement while encouraging innovative thinking and strong supplier relationships. Employees benefit from a supportive environment that values their contributions and promotes a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Customer Development Partner in Lincoln
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Pilgrim Foodservice Ltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Pilgrim Foodservice Ltd
Don't be shy about reaching out to Pilgrim Foodservice Ltd directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Customer Development Partner in Lincoln
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Pilgrim Foodservice Ltd and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pilgrim Foodservice Ltd
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
