Development Chef

Job Overview

• This is a critical, customer facing role, within the business NPD team to develop and refine meal solutions that meet the evolving needs of consumers in the ready-to-cook meal category
• This role requires a blend of culinary creativity, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of large-scale food production
• To collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that new products are not only delicious and innovative but also scalable, cost-effective, and compliant with food safety standards

Key Responsibilities

Recipe Development and Innovation:

• Create and develop insight led new ready meal concepts, with a flavour first approach. Collaborate with the Concept, Commercial & Insight team to align product development with customer need

• Modify and enhance existing recipes to improve quality, consistency, and operational efficiency
• Working as part of the development chef team, innovate with new ingredients, cooking techniques, and packaging solutions to differentiate products in the marketplace
• Ensure that all products meet nutritional guidelines and regulatory requirements for the application
• Understand industry regulations and trends to ensure products remain compliant and competitive
• Ability to translate global food and drink trends into feasible, manufacturable concepts

Product Testing and Refinement:

• Work closely with the process and operations teams to ensure recipes are scalable for manufacture
• Continuously refine products based on feedback from consumer panels, customer online reviews, technical KPIs and social media feedback

Cost Management:

• Develop recipes that meet target cost parameters while maintaining high quality and taste standards
• Work with procurement teams to source cost-effective ingredients without compromising on quality
• Review production costs with the concept & commercial team to implement cost-saving measures where feasible

Team Collaboration & Customer Management:

• Lead internal & customer culinary ideation sessions with cross-functional teams
• Provide training and support to production staff on the implementation of new recipes and techniques
• Support a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the NPD team
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Degree in Culinary Arts, Food Science, or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in culinary development (industry and restaurant)
• Expertise in recipe development and culinary innovation, preferably in chilled branded/manufacturing categories
• Strong understanding of large-scale food manufacturing processes
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Proficient in cost management and production efficiency strategies.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel to customers, sites & suppliers as needed
• Flexibility to work outside of standard hours when required to meet project deadline
• Passion for innovation and a commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative product

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