At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative sushi concepts and push flavour boundaries in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Taiko, the UK's leading sushi manufacturer with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, wellness support, and discounts on dining.
- Other info: Opportunity to contribute to sustainability initiatives and enjoy a vibrant workplace culture.
- Why this job: Join a creative team and make a real impact on sushi trends and flavours.
- Qualifications: Experienced Sushi Chef with a passion for innovation and flavour development.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 51500 £ per year.
Established in 1997 as the first manufacturer of sushi for the UK supermarket industry, Taiko has evolved into the most innovative manufacturer of Sushi, Food To Go, Prepared Meals and Snacking products in the UK, supplying Waitrose, Tesco and Sainsbury’s to name a few. Over the past 25 years Taiko has launched more first to market Sushi and Food to Go products than any other sushi manufacturer in the UK.
The Role: We’re looking for a Sushi-focused Development Chef with a passion for flavour, innovation, and customer-led development. This role is all about pushing boundaries—developing standout Sushi products with exciting flavour profiles, blending authenticity with modern, trend-led influences. You’ll work cross-functionally with NPD, Commercial, Marketing, and Operations teams to bring new ideas to life at scale. Working pattern: Monday to Friday – giving you consistency while still working in a fast-paced, creative environment.
About You:
- Experienced Sushi Chef (essential) with strong technical expertise
- Deep understanding of flavour balance, seasoning, and Sushi composition
- Passionate about innovation and pushing flavour boundaries
- Confident presenting to customers and bringing ideas to life
- Commercially aware with the ability to scale concepts into production
- Hands-on, organised, and thrives in a creative, fast-paced environment
Key Responsibilities:
- Create innovative Sushi concepts with a strong focus on flavour development and differentiation
- Translate customer briefs into unique, trend-led Sushi products
- Experiment with fusion flavours, global influences, and new ingredient pairings
- Deliver impactful customer presentations, telling the story behind your flavour concepts
- Develop recipes that balance flavour, cost, and scalability
- Prepare samples for tastings, food shows, and key customer meetings
- Conduct flavour benchmarking and competitor analysis
- Support factory scale-up, maintaining flavour integrity in production
- Continuously refine and elevate existing Sushi ranges
We're proud to offer:
- Opportunity to grow your career alongside with us with available apprentice program
- Brilliant support services designed to enhance your physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
- Annual discretionary bonus subject to business and overall performance
- Discretionary Life Assurance
- Discretionary Income Protection
- Group Personal Pension
- Private Medical Cash Plan
- Bespoke reward platform including access to retail, cinema & gym discounts.
- 50% off your food every time you dine with us for you and 3 friends.
- Contribute towards our award-winning sustainability initiatives that delivers progress against 9 UN sustainability goals. We're committed to responsibly sourcing and all our seafood, therefore we only use source sustainable fish. All our packaging is recyclable and 80% of our packaging is already made from recycled plastic.
- Annual Awards ceremony celebrating our success and offering winning Manage
Development Chef â Sushi Innovation Specialist in Acton employer: Taiko
At Taiko, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of sushi innovation in the UK, offering a dynamic and creative work environment that fosters growth and collaboration. As a Development Chef, you'll not only have the opportunity to push culinary boundaries but also benefit from our commitment to employee wellbeing, including a range of support services and an annual bonus scheme. Join us in our mission to create exceptional sushi products while contributing to sustainable practices and enjoying perks like discounts and a vibrant team culture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Chef â Sushi Innovation Specialist in Acton
✨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 Taiko.
✨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 Taiko!
✨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 Taiko, 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 Taiko, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Chef â Sushi Innovation Specialist in Acton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Taiko, 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 Taiko.
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 Taiko. 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 Taiko. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Taiko
✨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 Taiko’s mission.
