At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative menus and support culinary teams across Scotland.
- Company: Join Scotland's leading ethical, family-owned caterer with a passion for fresh food.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, free meals, enhanced leave, and excellent career progression.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values individuality and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food culture while celebrating Scotland's unique produce.
- Qualifications: Experience in contract catering or independent schools at a senior chef level.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 44000 € per year.
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: £44,000 per annum
Hours: 40 per week
As Scotland’s leading ethical, family‑owned caterer, we take immense pride in our commitment to ‘Intrinsically Independent’ principles. Our culinary teams at Thomas Franks Scotland immerse themselves in the bounty of Scottish produce, crafting menus that not only satisfy the palate but also celebrate the distinctive flavours of this magnificent land.
We are looking for a super talented Development Chef to join and support our growing team in Scotland. This role will play a key part in the development of the food offering alongside our Head of Culinary. The role will require travel covering some contracts in the North and/or Northern Ireland.
You will have worked within either the B&I contract catering sector or Independent School sector at Executive Head Chef, Executive Chef Manager or Development Chef level to be considered for this role.
Key responsibilities- Support with mobilisations
- Support with troubleshooting at locations which require additional support
- Take full responsibility for driving food-based training and development programmes within the business
- Support the business with high-level hospitality and events
- Create bespoke seasonal menus from regional and local suppliers
- Play a supporting/mentoring role in setting food standards
- Complete food costings as required
- Complete company bookkeeping
- Ensure company food standards are adhered to and wastage controlled
- Ensure that the Thomas Franks Fresh Food Standards are followed fully by all location staff; make best use of local and in-season produce and implement appropriate action to address any areas of concern
- Ensure all Food Hygiene, Health & Safety policies and allergen control procedures are followed
- Genuine interest in food and excellent customer service skills
- Excellent client relationship skills
- All‑round team player and leader
- Innovation and passion for great food
- Organised Development Chef with attention to detail
- Sound financial understanding
- Wider wallet scheme (discounts at major retailers, restaurants, gyms etc.)
- Free meals on duty
- Volunteers leave – up to one day per year
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoptive leave
- Cycle to work scheme
- Recommend a friend bonus
- Unrivalled individual training and development
- Well established apprenticeship programme
- Team & company social events
- Employee assistance programme
- Workplace pension
- Excellent career progression within a leading independent contract caterer
About us: Thomas Franks is a founder‑led, fresh‑food catering business with a focus on excellence and service delivered with individuality, passion and style. We are unique in every approach and our clients, and our people, are paramount to our daily success.
Right to work and diversity: All applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have the Right to Work in the UK to be considered for this role. We actively encourage applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds and continue to develop a culture of growth and inclusion and would like to invite applications from groups who are currently under‑represented, because we believe greater diversity leads to exceptional results and provides a better working life.
Development Chef in Edinburgh employer: Thomas Franks Ltd
At Thomas Franks Scotland, we pride ourselves on being an ethical, family-owned caterer that champions the use of local Scottish produce while fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture. As a Development Chef, you will benefit from unrivalled training opportunities, a supportive team environment, and a range of employee perks including free meals on duty and enhanced leave policies, all while contributing to our mission of delivering exceptional culinary experiences across Scotland and beyond.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Chef in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering industry, especially those who know Thomas Franks. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary creativity! When you get the chance to meet with the team, bring along some ideas for seasonal menus or innovative dishes. This will demonstrate your passion and fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of Scottish produce and food trends. Being able to discuss local suppliers and sustainability will show you’re aligned with Thomas Franks’ values.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Thomas Franks.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Chef in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your experiences and what excites you about working with local Scottish produce. We want to see your culinary creativity and how you can contribute to our unique offerings.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Development Chef role. Highlight your relevant experience in B&I contract catering or Independent Schools, and don’t forget to mention any innovative dishes you've created. We appreciate attention to detail!
Be Clear About Your Skills:In your application, clearly outline your skills that match the job description. Whether it's your client relationship skills or your ability to drive food-based training, we want to know how you can support our team and uphold our Fresh Food Standards.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Thomas Franks!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thomas Franks Ltd
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with Scottish produce and the unique flavours that define the region. Be ready to discuss how you can incorporate local ingredients into seasonal menus, showcasing your creativity and passion for food.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to talk about your previous roles in the B&I contract catering or Independent School sector. Highlight specific projects where you’ve driven food-based training or developed innovative menus, as this will demonstrate your capability for the Development Chef position.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Leadership
As a Development Chef, you’ll need to support and mentor others. Share examples of how you’ve successfully led teams or collaborated with colleagues to achieve high standards in food quality and service.
✨Understand Food Standards and Costings
Brush up on food hygiene, health & safety policies, and allergen control procedures. Be prepared to discuss how you manage food costings and minimise waste, as these are crucial aspects of the role at Thomas Franks.
