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- Tasks: Join our team as a Junior Development Chef, creating and improving delicious snack products.
- Company: We're a leading company in the chilled snack food category, focused on innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy hands-on experience, creative freedom, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values creativity and innovation in food development.
- Qualifications: 1-2 years in culinary or product development; culinary degree preferred but not essential.
- Other info: Must have a valid driving licence and be eligible to work in the UK.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
The Junior Development Chef works closely with the Product Development team and broader team on site to support the development and creation of new products and improve existing recipes to achieve the innovation plan for the site. This role will involve hands-on development, experimentation and testing to ensure products are of the highest standard whilst meeting operational, quality and nutritional requirements.
This will be across a multiple customer base and private label for the chilled snack food category.
Responsibilities:
- Support New Product Development (NPD) and Existing Product Development (EPD) to required cost and timescales.
- Assist on varying customer briefs to create and deliver innovative products that meet customer and market requirements.
- Assist recipe building and formulation against guidelines.
- Gather information required and present products to internal teams, which includes benchmarking sessions, pre submission panels, cost reduction.
- Identify new trends and maintain current products to deliver newness to the category by understanding the market.
- Communicate with teams including NPD, purchasing and finance to interpret briefs, source new ingredients and carry out costings.
- Work with the procurement team to source quality ingredients and stay informed about new suppliers and innovative ingredients that could improve product offerings.
- Conduct regular tastings of product samples to assess quality, flavour, texture, and overall appeal. Provide feedback and make necessary adjustments to recipes.
- Work on refining production methods, testing products at scale, and ensuring they meet technical specifications and quality standards.
- Support the transition of new products from development into full production, working closely with the production team to ensure smooth handover and consistency.
- Support the Process Manager with factory trials.
- General kitchen duties – opening/closing procedures, general hygiene, managing documentation, stock control.
- Ensure all new products meet food safety and regulatory standards, including allergen management, nutritional labelling, and compliance with industry regulations.
Requirements:
- Looking to start or continue career as a Development Chef.
- Food experience background in restaurants or food manufacturing.
- Valid driving licence.
- At least 1-2 years of experience in a product development or culinary role, ideally within a manufacturing or food production environment.
- A degree or diploma in Culinary Arts, Food Science, or a related field (preferred).
- Good cookery skills with flare for innovation and creativity.
- Organisation and planning.
- Communicating at different levels of seniority.
- Presentation skills.
- Basic computing skills.
- Team player but can work independently.
- Strong knowledge of pastry techniques and culinary principles, particularly within the chilled food sector.
- Ability to experiment with flavours and ingredients to create new and exciting products.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a cross-functional team and communicate effectively with colleagues and suppliers.
- Familiarity with food safety standards, including HACCP and allergen management.
- Good organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Development Chef employer: Resourcing Partnership Ltd
Contact Detail:
Resourcing Partnership Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the chilled snack food category. This will not only help you understand what products are currently popular but also allow you to bring fresh ideas to the table during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food industry, especially those involved in product development. Attend food expos or culinary events where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with recipe development and experimentation. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully created or improved recipes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for innovation in food by bringing a portfolio of your work to the interview. Include photos of dishes you've created, along with any feedback you've received from tastings or trials.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in product development or culinary roles. Emphasise any hands-on experience with recipe development, food safety standards, and teamwork in a fast-paced environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for food innovation and your understanding of the chilled snack food category. Mention specific examples of how you've contributed to product development in previous roles.
Showcase Your Skills: Clearly outline your cookery skills, creativity, and ability to experiment with flavours in your application. Highlight any relevant qualifications, such as a degree in Culinary Arts or Food Science, and your familiarity with HACCP and allergen management.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Think about how you would answer questions related to your experience with new product development, working collaboratively in teams, and managing multiple tasks. Be ready to discuss your approach to maintaining quality and meeting regulatory standards.
How to prepare for a job interview at Resourcing Partnership Ltd
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your cooking techniques and any innovative recipes you've developed. Bring examples of your work or be ready to talk about specific dishes that highlight your creativity and flair in the kitchen.
✨Understand the Market Trends
Research current trends in the chilled snack food category. Be ready to discuss how you can incorporate these trends into new product development, demonstrating your awareness of customer preferences and market demands.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since this role involves collaboration with various teams, practice articulating your ideas clearly. Prepare to explain how you would interpret briefs and communicate with different departments, showcasing your teamwork skills.
✨Prepare for Tastings
Expect to discuss your approach to product tastings. Be ready to explain how you assess quality, flavour, and texture, and how you provide constructive feedback to refine recipes. This will show your attention to detail and commitment to high standards.
