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- Tasks: Create and develop innovative food-to-go products from concept to launch.
- Company: Join Simply Lunch, a growing and ambitious food manufacturing business.
- Benefits: Enjoy free lunch, social events, ongoing training, and 30 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Be part of exciting product innovation and build a long-term career in food.
- Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen or food manufacturing, with a passion for food innovation.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we value unique identities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This is an exciting, hands-on role where you’ll support the development of innovative food-to-go products, helping bring new ideas to life from concept through to launch. You’ll work closely with the NPD team, chefs, and cross-functional departments to ensure products are not only delicious and on-trend, but also commercially viable and scalable for production. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have a passion for food innovation, this could be the perfect opportunity.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the development of new and innovative food-to-go products from concept through to launch
- Assist in recipe creation, refinement, and costings to meet quality and commercial targets
- Prepare and present samples for internal reviews, customer presentations, and product submissions
- Conduct kitchen trials and support factory trials to ensure successful scale-up into production
- Maintain accurate documentation including recipes, specifications, and trial records
- Work closely with Technical, Production, and Procurement teams to ensure feasibility and compliance
- Ensure all development work meets food safety, quality, and technical standards
- Monitor food trends, competitor products, and market insights to inspire innovation
- Support continuous improvement of existing products and processes
- Maintain a clean, organised, and efficient development kitchen
What We’re Looking For
Experience & Qualifications
- Experience in a professional kitchen or food manufacturing environment
- Exposure to product development or strong interest in NPD
- Understanding of food safety, quality standards, and kitchen best practices
- Experience working in high-volume or fast-paced environments
Key Skills
- Passion for food and innovation
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Attention to detail and a quality-focused mindset
- Ability to adapt and work in a fast-moving environment
- Creative approach to food development
- Problem-solving mindset and willingness to learn
What You’ll Get in Return
- Free lunch and beverages every day
- Regular social events – from summer & Christmas parties to BBQs, pizza days, sweet treats, and even ice cream vans
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- A clear commitment to helping you progress your career
- Cash plan and financial wellbeing support
- Discounted car repairs and MOT
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Access to mental health champions
- Wellbeing and support services
- 30 days annual leave
- One paid charity day each year to support a cause you care about
- Long service awards to celebrate your commitment
Why Join Us?
This is more than just a role, it’s an opportunity to be part of a growing, ambitious business where you can develop your skills, contribute to exciting product innovation, and build a long-term career within food manufacturing.
Diversity and Inclusion
Like many other organisations, we are considering with renewed focus what Diversity means to us. What may have been acceptable a short time ago is not sufficient for the future, so we are dedicating a lot of time and resources to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected, especially those who are often excluded or underrepresented. If you feel that you do not see yourself represented either in this sector or in this professional area because of any part of your identity that makes you unique, we would especially like to hear from you.
Development Chef in Croydon employer: Simply Lunch
Contact Detail:
Simply Lunch Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Chef in Croydon
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! If you want to land that Development Chef role, spend some time in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes. Show us your passion for food innovation by creating something unique and delicious that you can talk about during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with professionals in the food industry on platforms like LinkedIn. Join groups related to food development and engage in discussions. You never know who might have a lead on a job or be willing to refer you!
✨Tip Number 3
Stay on top of food trends! Keep an eye on what’s hot in the food-to-go market. Bring fresh ideas to the table during interviews by discussing current trends and how you can incorporate them into product development.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. When you apply directly, it shows us you're genuinely interested in being part of our team. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your personality beyond just your CV.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Chef in Croydon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food and innovation shine through! Share any personal experiences or projects that highlight your creativity in the kitchen. We want to see your enthusiasm for developing exciting food-to-go products.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to match the role of Development Chef. Highlight relevant experience in professional kitchens or food manufacturing, and don’t forget to mention any exposure to product development. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their skills with our needs!
Be Clear and Organised: Keep your application neat and structured. Use bullet points for your skills and experiences, and ensure your documents are easy to read. We value attention to detail, so make sure everything is polished before hitting send!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to showcase your application in the best light. Plus, it helps us keep track of all the amazing talent out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Simply Lunch
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of food trends and innovative products in the market. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the development of exciting food-to-go products and share any relevant experiences from your past roles.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to present a few ideas or concepts for new food products that align with current trends. This will demonstrate your passion for food innovation and your ability to think outside the box, which is crucial for a Development Chef role.
✨Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Highlight your experience working in cross-functional teams. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with chefs, technical teams, and production staff in the past to bring a product from concept to launch successfully.
✨Attention to Detail is Key
Emphasise your understanding of food safety and quality standards. Be ready to talk about how you maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance during the development process, as this is vital for the role.