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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative recipes and bring exciting new products to market.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking food company with a passion for culinary excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, generous leave, and wellness initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the food industry while working with a creative team.
- Qualifications: 5 years of culinary experience and a passion for food innovation.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and recognition.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
R&D Chef, R&D Chef in Southall employer: Pilgrim's Europe
Contact Detail:
Pilgrim's Europe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Chef, R&D Chef in Southall
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food industry, attend culinary events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary creativity! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, bring along a portfolio of your best recipes and projects. This will not only showcase your skills but also demonstrate your passion for food innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Research companies you admire, like Pilgrims Europe, and reach out directly. Express your interest in their work and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website to apply! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that R&D Chef role. Make sure your application stands out by tailoring it to reflect the key areas of responsibility mentioned in the job description.
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Chef, R&D Chef in Southall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your culinary experiences and what inspires you in the kitchen. We want to see that spark of creativity and enthusiasm that makes you a great fit for our team.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of R&D Chef. Mention specific projects or recipes you've developed that demonstrate your ability to innovate and meet customer needs. We love seeing how you can contribute to our journey!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and achievements. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and potential.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our fantastic team at Pilgrims Europe!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pilgrim's Europe
✨Know Your Recipes Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with a range of recipes that showcase your culinary skills. Be ready to discuss your creative process and how you develop recipes that align with customer needs and market trends.
✨Understand the Business Side
Brush up on product costing and the commercial implications of your recipes. Being able to articulate how your creations can drive profitability will impress the interviewers and show that you understand the bigger picture.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
This role involves working closely with others, so be prepared to share examples of how you’ve collaborated in the past. Highlight your ability to support and guide kitchen assistants, as well as how you build relationships with colleagues and customers.
✨Stay Current with Trends
Familiarise yourself with the latest food trends and competitor activities. During the interview, demonstrate your passion for food by discussing how you incorporate these insights into your recipe development and innovation processes.
