At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative, delicious food concepts and develop standout products for Merchant Gourmet.
- Company: Join Premier Foods, a leader in plant-based and wholefood innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, private medical insurance, and extensive learning opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and supporting all employees.
- Why this job: Turn your culinary creativity into reality and inspire others with your passion for food.
- Qualifications: Professional chef training and experience in product development, especially in plant-based cooking.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This job is with Premier Foods, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
Based - Worksop Permanent, Full Time At Premier Foods, we’re passionate about creating high-quality, delicious food that people love. Our Merchant Gourmet brand is at the forefront of premium, plant-based and wholefood innovation – and we’re looking for a Development Chef to help shape what’s next.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a creative, trend-driven foodie to turn bold ideas into standout products that inspire consumers and support our ambitious growth plans.
What you'll be doing?
- Create exciting, trend-led food concepts across cuisines, categories and formats
- Deliver new product development (NPD) and improvements to existing products (EPD)
- Ensure all products balance taste, simplicity, and wholesome goodness
- Stay ahead of the curve by tracking food trends across retail, foodservice and media
- Work closely with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Nutrition and Project Management
- Support product launches with presentations, recipe development and food styling
- Inspire colleagues through culinary workshops and knowledge sharing sessions
What we need from you?
- Professionally trained chef
- Experience in development chef roles, ideally within a food manufacturing environment
- Strong understanding of translating concepts into scalable products
- Passion for plant-based, vegetarian or wholefood cooking
- A natural creative with strong culinary and flavour development skills
- Confident presenting and delivering food demonstrations
- Self-motivated, collaborative and able to manage projects independently
What we offer you in return?
- Competitive salary and bonus
- Up to 7.5% pension
- Private medical insurance and life assurance
- Hybrid working (50% home / 50% office or site)
- Sharesave scheme and the option to purchase additional holiday
- Extensive learning and development opportunities
- Access to a wide employee discount scheme
Ready to apply? Click Apply and submit your CV tailored to this opportunity. We look forward to hearing from you.
At Premier Foods we believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality. We aim to ensure all existing and future colleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to work no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love or what they believe in. Our culture is one where everyone is welcome.
We're proud to be a Disability Smart employer and are committed to supporting disability inclusion throughout our recruitment process. If you experience any access issues or require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know so we can ensure you have the support you need.
Development Chef - Merchant Gourmet employer: Premier Foods
At Premier Foods, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer that champions creativity and innovation in the culinary world. As a Development Chef for our Merchant Gourmet brand in Worksop, you'll enjoy a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and personal growth, alongside competitive benefits such as hybrid working, private medical insurance, and extensive learning opportunities. Join us to turn your passion for plant-based cooking into exciting new products while being part of a team that values authenticity and diversity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Chef - Merchant Gourmet
✨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 Premier Foods.
✨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 Premier Foods!
✨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 Premier Foods, 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 Premier Foods, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Chef - Merchant Gourmet
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Premier Foods, 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 Premier Foods.
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 Premier Foods. 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 Premier Foods. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Premier Foods
✨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 Premier Foods’s mission.
