Junior Development Chef in Gravesend

About Us

Prep Kitchen is one of the fastest‑growing meal prep companies in the UK, ranked in the Sunday Times Hundred list two years in a row — #27 in 2024 and #27 in 2025 as one of the UK’s top 100 fastest‑growing private companies. We provide convenient, healthy, and delicious meals to customers across the country, focusing on high‑quality ingredients, varied menu options, and exceptional customer service. We’re proud to be named one of the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025, reflecting the culture and care we build from the inside out.

Job Overview

The Junior Development Chef will support the Head of Food in developing, testing, and refining new recipes for Prep Kitchen’s evolving menu. You’ll work hands‑on in the NPD kitchen, assisting with process trials, ingredient testing, and preparation for product launches. Alongside kitchen work, you’ll learn to manage recipes and specifications in Galley, our recipe management system, ensuring new products are accurately documented and production‑ready. You’ll work directly alongside our Head of Food, a Michelin‑trained chef, and get hands‑on exposure to every stage of the NPD process, from kitchen trial to production launch.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

• Assist the Head of Food with the development of new recipes and meal concepts.
• Conduct process trials on new ingredients and components to validate quality, yield, and scalability.
• Prepare and cook trial batches, ensuring consistency and accurate documentation of results.
• Record recipe formulations, quantities, and cooking methods in line with NPD procedures.
• Collaborate with the NPD Coordinator to ensure all recipes are entered and maintained accurately in Galley.
• Support the creation of spec sheets, allergen information, and costing updates.
• Liaise with Operations to hand over new recipes and support first production runs.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and compliant NPD kitchen environment.
• Stay informed on new ingredients, trends, and techniques relevant to Prep Kitchen’s product range.

About You

Essential

• Background in culinary arts, food development, or commercial kitchen environments.
• Confident cooking across a variety of cuisines and meal styles.
• Strong understanding of ingredients, batch cooking, and portion control.
• Excellent organisation, time management, and attention to detail.
• Comfortable working cross‑functionally between kitchen and office environments.
• Eager to learn food systems and documentation processes (training provided on Galley).

Desirable

• Experience in a meal prep, ready‑meal, or food manufacturing setting.
• Familiarity with recipe management or specification software (e.g., Galley, Nutritics).
• Knowledge of nutrition, allergens, or macronutrient balancing.
• Food Hygiene Level 2+ certification.

What Success Looks Like

• New recipes and ingredients are trialled efficiently with accurate feedback and data.
• The NPD kitchen runs smoothly with clear documentation and handovers.
• Galley records for new meals are accurate, complete, and production‑ready.
• The Head of Food can focus on strategic development while day‑to‑day trials progress independently.
• Consistent innovation and continuous improvement in meal quality and scalability.

Accommodations

We are committed to an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and able to thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, believing diverse perspectives fuel innovation and drive success.

Seniority level

Internship

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Management and Manufacturing

Industries

Food and Beverage Services