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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and launch innovative food concepts with a focus on quality and consistency.
- Company: Fast-growing food business in the hospitality sector with a passion for culinary innovation.
- Benefits: Opportunity to develop a long-term career in product development and work with fresh ingredients.
- Why this job: Join a creative team and make your mark in the exciting world of food development.
- Qualifications: 1 year of chef experience and a genuine passion for food and flavours.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Workmate Agency are looking for a Junior Development Chef on behalf of our client, a high-quality, fast-growing food business operating within the foodservice and hospitality sector. This is an excellent opportunity for a chef with foodservice or hospitality experience who is looking to move into a development-focused role, working closely with a Head of NPD to create, refine, and launch innovative food concepts. The role suits someone who is passionate about food, enjoys working collaboratively, and wants to develop a long-term career in product development rather than traditional kitchen service.
The Role
- Work alongside the Head of NPD to create new, seasonal menu propositions for travel and hospitality clients, considering production, regeneration, and shelf-life requirements
- Ensure recipes are suitable for medium to large-scale production while maintaining consistency and quality
- Optimise ingredients and processes to reduce variation and minimise human error
- Liaise with local suppliers to source high-quality, fresh ingredients
- Support recipe documentation, specifications, and costings
- Monitor food trends and adapt recipes to meet customer demand
- Support the development of new and existing products, working closely with customers and internal teams
- Assist in taking products from concept through to launch, aligned with operational capabilities
- Work closely with production teams to introduce new products and review or improve existing processes
- Collaborate with Procurement, Technical, Commercial, and Account Management teams
- Conduct shelf-life testing and sample production
- Maintain excellent standards within the NPD kitchen, including ingredient collection and daily housekeeping
- Ensure compliance with food safety, health, and regulatory standards
- Manage and update internal knowledge and recipe systems
- Take part in customer-facing activity, including product presentations and tastings — acting as a confident and welcoming host
What We’re Looking For
- Minimum 1 year’s experience as a chef
- Experience working in a fast-paced environment with short lead times
- Ability to work from detailed briefs
- A genuine passion for food, strong flavour knowledge, and natural culinary flair
- Strong attention to detail and organisational skills
- Ability to develop both full concepts and individual product components
- Willingness to quickly learn operational capabilities and work within them
- Good all-round knowledge of global cuisines, cooking techniques, and production processes
- An innovative mindset with awareness of current food trends
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively on larger projects
- Confident problem-solving skills
- Computer literate, with working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Please note: this role may involve additional duties as required to meet the needs of the business.
Junior Development Chef in Bicester employer: Workmate Agency
Contact Detail:
Workmate Agency Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Development Chef in Bicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food industry, attend events, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Junior Development Chef role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary creativity! Prepare a few unique dishes that highlight your skills and understanding of current food trends. Bring these along to interviews or networking events to impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; engage! When you find a job listing that excites you, reach out directly to the hiring manager or team. A quick email expressing your enthusiasm can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning and adapting! Stay updated on food trends and techniques. Consider taking short courses or workshops to enhance your skills, which will make you a more attractive candidate for that Junior Development Chef position.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Development Chef in Bicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share any experiences that highlight your culinary flair and how you keep up with the latest food trends. We want to see that you're not just a chef, but someone who lives and breathes food.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the Junior Development Chef role. Highlight relevant experiences from your past jobs that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. This shows us that you've done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your skills and experiences at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do and how you can fit into our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Workmate Agency
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of ingredients and flavour profiles. Be ready to discuss how you would source high-quality, fresh ingredients and how they can impact the final dish. This shows your passion for food and your understanding of what makes a great product.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to share examples of innovative food concepts you've worked on or ideas you have for new menu propositions. Think about current food trends and how you can adapt recipes to meet customer demands. This will demonstrate your innovative mindset and ability to think outside the box.
✨Collaboration is Key
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be ready to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Share specific examples of how you've successfully worked with others, whether in a kitchen or during product development, to highlight your teamwork skills.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. Prepare for scenarios where you might need to optimise processes or handle unexpected challenges in the kitchen. This will show that you're not only passionate but also practical and ready for the fast-paced environment.
