R&D Chef in Southall

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Pilgrims Europe Product & Innovation team with a vacancy for a Development Chef based at our Windmill Lane site in West London.

Location: Windmill Lane, Southall. Contract: Permanent, Full-time. No direct reports.

To win in the market by developing brilliant recipes that will be loved by our customers and deliver commercially for the business. This role will work closely with the Product Development Manager and Senior Chefs in nurturing a food culture in the business, in line with our journey to become a world class food company. The successful candidate will work to bring new products to market, from the initial concept right through to product launch, by developing a unique portfolio of brilliant recipes that will be valued by our customers, supporting delivery of business growth and profitability.

To achieve success it is critical that the R&D Chef works cross‑functionally to ensure that all concepts/recipes developed are aligned with the business strategy.

Key Areas Of Responsibility Include (but Not Limited To):

• Product development based on pro‑active innovation & customer briefs.
• Be aware of target costs, promotional mechanics, quality tiering and operational efficiencies prior to developing propositions.
• Prepare product costings to target MSP and understand the business implications from a commercial and manufacturing point of view.
• Be aware of insights from customers and PEU customer team to enable propositions to reflect both the consumer and customer needs (inc. awareness of the innovation platforms & customer clusters).
• Be involved in idea generation and Innovation Day delivery.
• Working in partnership with the PEU purchasing team ensuring all new raw materials are approved and are logged on the site raw material tracker prior to being approved by the customer.
• Prepare product samples for customers, photography, nutritional, shelf life, handovers, pre‑pro and launches.
• Support, encourage and provide clear direction for the R&D Kitchen Assistants.
• Along with the total team ensure that the Innovation/Development Centre is maintained and cleaned to the highest possible standards.
• Prepare and present detailed product handovers for the manufacturing site teams for all approved products.
• To present all new concepts to site SLT prior to retail panels ensuring accurate costings are delivered against current factory capabilities.
• Ensure the transfer of quality into the factory with the NPI Team during trials and ongoing post‑launch.
• Help prepare/agree specifications for all new raw materials, packaging and processes alongside the Technical department.
• Review the quality of existing products via Consistency Panels.
• To work alongside the R&D Co‑ordinators/NPI team to prepare high quality presentation paperwork.
• To be involved in Customer presentations and ensure that all presentations have a logical flow, illustrating a sound understanding of recipes, commercials, customer need and manufacturing capabilities, as well as demonstrating a passion for food.
• Build relationship with customer(s).
• Maintain awareness of market, consumer & restaurant trends and competitor activity, applying this knowledge during the development phase.
• Maintain awareness as to the potential upgrade of existing products giving consideration to operation efficiencies and Pips initiatives.

Skills And Knowledge:

• 5 Years’ experience as a Chef or equivalent food experience essential.
• Previous experience in the Food Manufacturing Industry desirable.
• Product / Menu Costing Experience.
• Sourcing of Ingredients/Produce.
• Passionate about food.
• Project management skills.
• Highly organized multi‑tasker.
• Attention to detail.
• Computer literate.
• Displays tenacity. Goes that extra mile to achieve results and deliver excellent service.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Enthusiastic team player.
• Build relationships internally and externally.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary.
• Career development opportunities within a growing, forward thinking business.
• Competitive annual leave and enhanced Sick Pay.
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• End of Year Thank you Gift and Lunch, Refer a Friend Scheme, Stars Awards, Wellbeing Initiatives, Long Service Awards.
• Free site Car Parking, Life Assurance and many more.

This role would be suitable for someone who is passionate and with relevant restaurant/hospitality industry experience and exceptional culinary and creative food skills, as well as excellent communication skills and multi‑tasking experience.