At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative food products and present exciting concepts to clients.
- Company: Join a growing, family-run food business with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, 20 days holiday, free parking, and ongoing training.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team shaping the future of food trends.
- Qualifications: Experience in NPD food manufacturing and formal chef qualifications required.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent career development opportunities.
Are you a creative chef with a passion for innovation? We are looking for an NPD Development Chef to join a growing food business supplying casual dining, pub group, QSR and B2B manufacturing sectors. This is a hands-on role, working in the development kitchen, supporting client presentations and creating exciting, on-trend food products.
You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop commercially viable recipes, present new concepts to clients, and keep up with market and consumer trends. Attention to detail, strong organisational skills and confidence in presenting to customers are essential.
The ideal candidate will have at least a couple of years NPD food manufacturing, along with formal chef qualifications (City & Guilds Level 2 or equivalent) and a solid understanding of food safety and commercial kitchen practices. You will need excellent communication skills, the ability to manage multiple projects and a proactive, team-oriented approach.
In return, you will join a supportive, family-run business offering a competitive salary, pension, 20 days holiday plus bank holidays, free on-site parking and ongoing training and development opportunities. This is a full-time, permanent, site-based role. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.
Development Chef - Exclusive employer: Zest
Contact Detail:
Zest Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Development Chef - Exclusive
β¨Tip Number 1
Get your portfolio ready! Showcase your best creations and innovative recipes. This is your chance to impress potential employers with your culinary skills and creativity.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend food industry events or workshops to meet people in the business. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Development Chef role.
β¨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! As a Development Chef, you'll need to present ideas to clients confidently. Grab a friend and do some mock presentations to get comfortable.
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itβs the easiest way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Development Chef - Exclusive
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Creativity: As a Development Chef, we want to see your innovative side! When writing your application, share examples of unique recipes or concepts you've developed. Let your passion for food shine through!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your NPD experience and chef qualifications. We love seeing how your skills align with our needs, so donβt be shy about showcasing your relevant achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your points are easy to read and get straight to the heart of what makes you the perfect fit for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures youβre considered for this exciting opportunity. Donβt miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest
β¨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of food trends and ingredients. Be ready to discuss how you can innovate within the casual dining and QSR sectors. This shows your passion for the role and that youβre keeping up with market demands.
β¨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare a portfolio or examples of your previous work that highlight your creativity in recipe development. Bring along any successful concepts you've created, as this will give you a chance to demonstrate your hands-on experience and innovative thinking.
β¨Practice Your Presentation Skills
Since presenting to clients is a key part of the role, practice how you would pitch a new concept. Use clear, engaging language and be prepared to answer questions. This will help you feel more confident during the actual interview.
β¨Highlight Team Collaboration
Be ready to discuss your experience working with cross-functional teams. Share specific examples of how youβve collaborated with others to develop recipes or projects, as this will show that you can thrive in a team-oriented environment.