At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and refine recipes for a beloved food brand using fine-dining skills.
- Company: Join a B Corp business focused on quality and sustainability.
- Benefits: Standard hours, annual bonus, flexible holidays, and strong pension contributions.
- Other info: Full support and training provided for your career shift.
- Why this job: Make your culinary creativity reach thousands beyond the restaurant scene.
- Qualifications: Michelin-starred or AA Rosette kitchen experience required.
The predicted salary is between 25200 - 30800 £ per year.
Exclusive - Development Chef (Michelin or AA Rosette exposure required) - Food Brand
This role takes the skill, instinct and standards of a fine-dining kitchen and uses them to shape the recipes behind a much-loved food brand.
No manufacturing background is required, just genuine culinary talent and a hunger to see your food reach far more people than any single restaurant ever could, with a far more regular working week than fine dining allows.
Zest is recruiting a Development Chef to join the food team behind a well-established food brand, creating and refining recipes that carry real chef-level quality.
Working closely with the wider development team, you will take dishes from first idea through to launch, bringing restaurant-calibre thinking to food that reaches thousands of tables.
This is a genuine career shift for a chef who wants their creativity to live beyond a single service, always pushing for that "wow" factor and bringing real culinary authority into a business built on food passion.
As Development Chef, you will develop and continually refine recipes, identify new ingredients and techniques, and present ideas at internal tastings, telling the story behind each dish to stakeholders including senior leadership.
You will lead the early, exploratory stage of new projects, set the quality benchmark through regular tastings, and work alongside procurement and technical colleagues on sourcing and scale-up, while you focus on the food itself.
You will also help build food culture across the business through tastings, trend reviews and chef training days.
You will bring Michelin-starred or AA Rosette kitchen experience, exceptional culinary skill and a genuine love of food.
No manufacturing or FMCG background is needed, full support and training is given as you make the move.
Confident communication and presentation skills are essential, along with strong organisation, attention to detail and a creative, collaborative attitude.
In return, you will get standard working hours, a role with a B Corp business built on quality and sustainability, an annual bonus, flexible bank holidays, strong pension contributions and genuine learning and development opportunities.
Please note sponsorship is not available for this role and all candidates must have the right to work in the UK.
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Exclusive -Development Chef (Michelin/ AA Rosette exposure) employer: Zest Recruitment
Join a dynamic and growing food importer and distributor that values its employees and fosters a collaborative work culture. As a National Account Manager, you will benefit from comprehensive training, exposure to an exciting product range, and opportunities for international travel, all while enjoying a supportive team environment and a clear path for career progression. With 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays and a company car, this role offers not just a job, but a meaningful career in the thriving food industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Exclusive -Development Chef (Michelin/ AA Rosette exposure)
✨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 Zest Recruitment.
✨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 Zest Recruitment!
✨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 Zest Recruitment, 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 Zest Recruitment, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Exclusive -Development Chef (Michelin/ AA Rosette exposure)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Zest Recruitment, 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 Zest Recruitment.
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 Zest Recruitment. 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 Zest Recruitment. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest Recruitment
✨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 Zest Recruitment’s mission.
