At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative sushi dishes and recipes in a hands-on development kitchen.
- Company: Join Taiko, the UK's leading sushi manufacturer with a global presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy career growth, health perks, discounts, and a chance to win trips to Japan.
- Other info: Contribute to sustainability initiatives and enjoy a vibrant workplace culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team shaping the future of Japanese cuisine.
- Qualifications: Experience in Japanese cuisine and product development is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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 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
- 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 all our seafood, therefore we only use sustainably sourced 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
- 3700 locations globally
- From Hawaii to Aberdeen
Our Values:
- Think like an owner.
- Be passionate.
- Speak openly.
- Move fast, together.
Ready to Roll? Come roll with us and play a key role by bringing people together to celebrate better food for everyone the Japanese way...
Development Chef in Acton employer: YO! Sushi
At Taiko, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of sushi innovation in the UK, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. As a Development Chef, you'll have the opportunity to grow your career while contributing to our award-winning sustainability initiatives, all within a supportive environment that values employee wellbeing and celebrates success. Join us in our mission to deliver exceptional Japanese cuisine and enjoy unique benefits like discounts on dining and opportunities for professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Development Chef in Acton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn and attend food innovation events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or be looking for someone with your sushi skills.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to present your ideas, make sure to bring your A-game. Prepare some unique sushi concepts that reflect your understanding of Japanese cuisine and culture – this will definitely impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Before any interviews or tastings, refine your presentation skills. Get comfortable explaining your thought process behind your sushi creations and how they meet client needs – confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing passionate candidates who are eager to join our team. Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and how you can contribute to our innovative sushi offerings.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Chef in Acton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Japanese Cuisine:When writing your application, let your love for Japanese food shine through! Share any experiences you have with sushi or other Japanese dishes, and how they inspire your creativity in the kitchen.
Highlight Your Development Experience:Make sure to detail your previous roles in product development. We want to see how you've taken concepts from idea to plate, so include specific examples of dishes you've created and how you adapted them based on feedback.
Be Client-Focused:Since you'll be working closely with clients, it's important to demonstrate your ability to listen and adapt. Mention any past experiences where you successfully translated client feedback into delicious, market-ready products.
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 to join our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at YO! Sushi
✨Know Your Sushi Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of sushi preparation, ingredients, and flavour profiles. Be ready to discuss your experience with Japanese cuisine and how it influences your creative process in developing new dishes.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to present some innovative sushi concepts or recipes you've developed in the past. Bring along a portfolio or samples if possible, as this will demonstrate your hands-on experience and passion for food innovation.
✨Understand Client Needs
Be prepared to talk about how you've taken client feedback in the past and turned it into successful products. Think of specific examples where you adapted recipes or menus based on client requirements, showcasing your ability to tailor offerings.
✨Engage with the Culture
Since understanding Japanese culture is key, be ready to discuss how it informs your culinary approach. Share any experiences you've had that connect you to the traditions and values of Japanese cuisine, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
