At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative sushi concepts and push flavour boundaries in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Taiko, the UK's leading sushi manufacturer with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and wellness support.
- Other info: Enjoy a consistent Monday to Friday schedule while working on exciting projects.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that shapes the future of sushi in the UK.
- Qualifications: Experienced Sushi Chef with a passion for flavour and innovation.
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
Development Chef – Sushi Innovation Specialist employer: Taiko
At Taiko, we pride ourselves on being the UK's leading innovator in sushi and food-to-go products, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. As a Development Chef – Sushi Innovation Specialist, you'll enjoy a supportive culture that prioritises your professional growth, with opportunities for apprenticeships and a range of benefits designed to enhance your wellbeing. Join us in our Acton location, where you can push culinary boundaries and make a meaningful impact in a fast-paced, rewarding setting.
