At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Development Chef in creating innovative food concepts and managing kitchen operations.
- Company: Join a renowned food business focused on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Hands-on experience, creative environment, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with a focus on sustainability and excellence.
- Why this job: Dive into food innovation and make your mark in product development.
- Qualifications: Experience in a professional kitchen and a passion for food trends.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 31200 £ per year.
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.
Assistant Development Chef in South Nutfield employer: The People Co
Join a leading food business that prioritises innovation and sustainability, offering a dynamic work environment where creativity thrives. As an Assistant Development Chef, you'll benefit from hands-on experience in new product development, with ample opportunities for professional growth and collaboration within a passionate culinary team. Enjoy a culture that values quality and excellence, ensuring your contributions directly impact exciting food concepts that reach customers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Development Chef in South Nutfield
✨Get Hands-On at Local Events
Dive into food fairs, science expos, and industry conferences in your area. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and get a feel for the latest trends in food science and technology. Plus, you might just bump into someone from The People Co!
✨Join Food Technology Communities
Get involved in online forums and local groups focusing on food science. Participating in discussions on platforms like LinkedIn or Reddit can showcase your passion, help you learn, and make useful connections. The more visible you are, the more likely someone from The People Co or elsewhere will take notice.
✨Internship-Specific Networking
As a trainee, you should tap into your university's career services and alumni network. They often have partnerships with companies like The People Co, and can help you find internship programmes or summer placements that aren’t publicly advertised.
✨Show Off Your Skills Online
Create a blog or social media account where you share insights about food science trends or experiment results. This not only showcases your expertise but also helps you build a personal brand that might catch the eyes of recruiters, including those from The People Co. Don’t forget to link back to your application on our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Development Chef in South Nutfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Food Science:When crafting your application, let your enthusiasm for food science and technology shine through! Share any relevant projects or coursework you've undertaken, and don't hesitate to mention your favourite aspects of food innovation in your cover letter. We love to see candidates who are excited about what we do at The People Co.
Your CV Should Taste Like Success:For a trainee role in food science, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience, even if it's from coursework or internships. Include any lab work, research projects, or experience with food preparation techniques, as these will show us you're ready to dive into the practical side of things.
Certificates and Awards Matter:If you've earned any certificates related to food safety, quality control, or even relevant courses, don't forget to include them! They’re a great way to showcase your commitment and knowledge in food science and technology, which can set you apart from other applicants.
Tailor Your Motivation:In your cover letter, connect your motivation directly to what The People Co does. Discuss how this trainee position aligns with your career goals and what you hope to learn and contribute. We’re looking for a fresh perspective from someone eager to develop their skills in our innovative environment!
How to prepare for a job interview at The People Co
✨Know Your Food Science Basics
Brush up on key concepts in food science and technology, like food safety, preservation methods, and nutrition. We want to be able to discuss their applications in a real-world context — show The People Co you're not just book-smart but also understand how it relates to their products!
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect some practical questions or scenarios during your interview — they might ask how you would handle a specific problem or improve a food process. We should think through potential situations together, so we can showcase your analytical skills and creativity!
✨Show Enthusiasm for Learning
As a trainee, we want to demonstrate our eagerness to learn and grow in the food science field. Maybe mention specific technologies or techniques you're excited to learn about at The People Co, and how they fit into your career goals.
✨Highlight Team Collaboration
Food technology often involves teamwork, especially when developing new products or improving processes. We should be ready to share examples of how we've successfully collaborated in the past — even if it's from school projects or relevant experiences!
