Contract type: Short-term / Freelance
Duration: 4–8 weeks (project-based)
Location: Remote with occasional on-site visits (as required)
Reports to: Restaurant Owner / Operations Lead
Overview
We are seeking an experienced Menu Development Consultant to support the creation and refinement of our new Pan-Asian menu. This short-term project role will focus on designing a commercially viable, operationally efficient, and brand-aligned menu that blends Chinese, Korean, Indonesian, and Japanese influences.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop a cohesive menu concept aligned with the restaurant's brand, target audience, and price positioning.
* Create and refine recipes, ensuring consistency, flavour balance, and practicality for the kitchen team.
* Provide dish costings, including portion sizing, ingredient sourcing, and gross profit analysis.
* Collaborate with the owner and kitchen team to test dishes and adjust recipes.
* Advise on kitchen workflows, equipment needs, and optimisation to support menu execution.
* Support with allergen mapping, dish labelling, and compliance with UK food safety standards.
* Produce final documentation, including a complete menu pack with recipes, specifications, and costings.
Essential Skills & Experience
* Proven experience in menu development, ideally within Pan-Asian or fusion concepts.
* Strong culinary knowledge across Chinese, Korean, Indonesian, and Japanese cuisines.
* Ability to balance creativity with commercial discipline.
* Experience in dish costing, stock management, and kitchen operations.
* Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
* Attention to detail and a hands-on approach to testing and refinement.
Deliverables
* Fully developed menu (starters, mains, sides, desserts, and drinks if in scope).
* Detailed recipes and preparation guidelines.
* Full costing sheet with GP recommendations.
* Allergen and dietary information.
* Final menu handover presentation.
Suggested Project Timeline
* Week 1: Research, concept alignment, and initial menu outline.
* Weeks 2–3: Recipe development, costing, and testing.
* Weeks 4–5: Refinement, kitchen workflow recommendations, and documentation.
* Final Week: Sign-off and handover.
How to Apply
Please submit a brief summary of your relevant experience, sample work, and availability.
Job Type: Freelance
Pay: From £30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Flexitime
* Free parking
* On-site parking
* Work from home
Work Location: In person