At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Development Chef in creating innovative food concepts and maintaining kitchen standards.
- Company: Join a renowned food business focused on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Hands-on experience in product development and a dynamic kitchen environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in food innovation and product development.
- Why this job: Dive into food innovation and make your mark in a fast-paced culinary world.
- Qualifications: Experience in a professional kitchen and a passion for food trends.
Some kitchens teach you how to cook. Others teach you how to create. This is an opportunity to step into a development environment where ideas move quickly from concept to customer, and where food innovation sits at the heart of everything. Working with an established and highly regarded food business, this role offers hands‑on exposure to the full new product development journey within a fast‑paced, commercially focused setting.
As Assistant Development Chef, you’ll support the Development Chef in bringing new food concepts to life. The role blends kitchen‑based development with structured NPD processes, giving you the chance to build your technical capability while contributing directly to live projects for agreed markets and existing clients. You’ll be immersed in product trials, tastings and presentations, while also playing a key role in keeping the development kitchen operating to the highest standards.
Key Accountabilities
- Supporting the Development Chef and wider culinary team to interpret briefs, timelines and cost parameters
- Producing high‑quality food samples for internal reviews, customer presentations and manufacturer trials
- Assisting with the preparation, development and refinement of new product concepts in line with agreed briefs and brand standards
- Setting up, supporting and cleaning down for tastings, reviews and customer presentations
- Maintaining organisation, cleanliness and safe operation of the development kitchen in line with Health & Safety requirements
- Managing day‑to‑day kitchen duties including hygiene, equipment cleaning, stock control, stock rotation, ordering and labelling
- Building strong working relationships internally and externally, demonstrating enthusiasm for food innovation
- Learning and following the full product development process, including stage gates and required documentation
People Profile
- Experience working as a chef within a professional kitchen environment
- A genuine passion for food, flavour and global food trends
- Level 2 Food Hygiene & Safety qualification
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment
- Basic IT skills including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Confident communication skills and a collaborative, team‑focused approach
- An interest in developing a long‑term career within food innovation and product development
Behind the scenes, you’ll be joining a business with a strong reputation for quality, innovation and service. Sustainability, people and product excellence are embedded into how the business operates day to day.
We regret we can not offer visa sponsorship and can only consider candidates who hold right to work in the UK.
To apply, please e‑mail in strict confidence, with a comprehensive CV, including salary details, quoting the above reference and for the attention of James Constable.
Due to a high volume of responses, we cannot reply to each application individually. If you have not had a response within one week, we are sorry to say your application has not been successful on this occasion.
Locations
Assistant Development Chef in South Nutfield, Surrey employer: The People Co
Join a dynamic and innovative food business that prioritises creativity and quality in its development kitchen. As an Assistant Development Chef, you'll benefit from a collaborative work culture that fosters personal growth and offers hands-on experience in new product development, all while being part of a team that values sustainability and excellence. This role not only allows you to enhance your culinary skills but also positions you at the forefront of food innovation, making it an exciting opportunity for those passionate about shaping the future of food.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Development Chef in South Nutfield, Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research their values, recent projects, and food innovations. This will help you tailor your conversations and show genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and even a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your culinary skills! Be ready to showcase your cooking techniques and creativity in practical assessments. Bring your A-game to tastings and presentations!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Development Chef in South Nutfield, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling CV:Make sure your CV highlights your culinary experience and passion for food innovation. Tailor it to showcase relevant skills that align with the Assistant Development Chef role, like your organisational abilities and teamwork.
Showcase Your Passion:In your application, let your love for food and flavour shine through! Mention any specific food trends or innovations that excite you, as this will resonate with us and show you're a great fit for our team.
Follow the Application Instructions:When applying, be sure to follow the instructions closely. Send your CV to the specified email address and include all requested details, like salary expectations. This shows us you can pay attention to detail!
Be Patient and Stay Positive:After you apply, hang tight! We get a lot of applications, so it might take a bit of time to hear back. If you don’t hear from us within a week, don’t be discouraged—keep cooking up those ideas and consider applying again in the future!
How to prepare for a job interview at The People Co
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of food trends and flavours. Be ready to discuss your favourite ingredients and how they can be used in innovative ways. This shows your passion for food and helps you connect with the culinary team.
✨Showcase Your Kitchen Skills
Prepare to talk about your previous kitchen experiences and any specific dishes you've developed. Bring along a portfolio or photos of your work if possible. This will give the interviewers a tangible sense of your skills and creativity.
✨Understand the NPD Process
Familiarise yourself with the new product development (NPD) process. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach developing a new food concept from start to finish. This demonstrates your understanding of the role and your readiness to contribute.
✨Be a Team Player
Emphasise your collaborative spirit during the interview. Share examples of how you've worked effectively in teams before, especially in high-pressure environments. This aligns with the company's focus on building strong working relationships and teamwork.
