At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative sushi dishes and collaborate with clients to refine recipes.
- Company: Join Taiko, a leading sushi manufacturer in the UK with a passion for food innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, wellness support, and discounts on dining.
- Other info: Contribute to sustainability initiatives and enjoy annual awards celebrating success.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team shaping the future of sushi and Japanese cuisine.
- Qualifications: Experience in Japanese cuisine and product development is essential.
Contract: Full Time
Salary: £46,000 - £51,500
Contracted Hours: 40
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.
About You
- Must have experience working with Japanese cuisine, ideally in a development role focused on creating new sushi products and recipes
- Strong technical knowledge of sushi preparation, ingredients, and flavour profiles
- A deep understanding of Japanese culture and culinary traditions
- Experience working with product development and manufacturing processes
- Ability to take client feedback and translate it into commercially viable products
- Creative, detail-oriented, and passionate about food innovation
- Confident working directly with clients and presenting concepts
Key Responsibilities
- This is a hands-on, creative position working from our development kitchen, where you’ll play a key role in shaping and refining our sushi and Japanese food offering. You’ll work closely with a variety of clients to:
- Develop new sushi dishes and recipes from concept through to production
- Tailor and adapt menus to suit different client requirements
- Produce samples and manage the end-to-end development process
- Present dishes to clients, conduct tastings, and gather feedback
- Refine ingredients, flavours, and textures based on client needs
- Work closely with manufacturing teams to ensure successful scale-up
- Continuously test, improve, and relaunch products where needed
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 Managers free trips to Japan.
About Us
Come roll with us and be part of something big. Celebrate global success across:
- Over 1500 retail kiosks globally (YO!, Panku, Mai Taiko Snowfox & Bento)
- Our Taiko manufacturing and distribution centre
- 63 YO! restaurants
- 50 major retail partners
- 3700 locations
Development Chef employer: The Wonderfield Group
At Taiko, we pride ourselves on being an innovative leader in the sushi and food-to-go market, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. As a Development Chef, you'll enjoy a supportive environment with ample opportunities for professional growth, including an apprentice programme and access to wellness services. Join us in our commitment to sustainability and enjoy unique perks like dining discounts and the chance to celebrate your achievements at our annual awards ceremony.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Chef
✨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 The Wonderfield Group.
✨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 The Wonderfield Group!
✨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 The Wonderfield Group, 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 The Wonderfield Group, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Development Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at The Wonderfield Group, 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 The Wonderfield Group.
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 The Wonderfield Group. 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 The Wonderfield Group. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Wonderfield Group
✨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 The Wonderfield Group’s mission.
