JOB TITLE:NPD (Chef/Assistant/Executive)
REPORTING TO : NPD and Product Range Manager
SALARY BAND: £32-£40,000 depending on experience
ABOUT US
Cutter & Squidge is a sister-run bakery with a passion for creating utterly indulgent treats that are as delightful to look at as they are to devour. From our West London bakery, we hand craft a range of cakes, brownies, biskies and more, sourcing only the best natural and sustainable ingredients. We combine the best of classic baking with new and exciting flavours to create unique, memorable gifting moments and believe there’s always a new flavour to discover, a new design to unveil, and a new smile to be had!
Regularly featuring in Good Housekeeping awards, Cutter & Squidge was named one of Britain’s fastest-growing private companies by the Sunday Times 100 in 2023 and awarded ‘Online Bakery of the Year 2024’ at the Bakery Industry Awards.
ABOUT THE ROLE
As our NPD (Chef/Assistant/Executive) you’ll be responsible for the development of new products and the improvement of our existing range. You'll be a key part of our NPD team, working hands-on to manage products from initial kitchen concept to a successful launch, while collaborating with our production and marketing teams. You will also be expected to:
* Develop and refine new recipes, and troubleshoot product issues based on feedback or production inconsistencies.
* Create new products in line with specific briefs and ensure concepts align with our brand and customer base.
* Research food and baking trends, benchmark competitor products, and help build a case for new concepts to enter our pipeline.
* Manage recipes, update product specifications, and maintain accurate documentation for each product launch.
* Assist with factory trials, pre-productions, and launches.
* Represent the NPD team at taste panels and work closely with our Technical and Production teams. You will also work alongside our production team members to understand how products are made and how to adapt recipes for scale-up.
* Coordinate ingredients to ensure the correct materials are available on-site for all sample creation.
* Check final label artwork and packaging to ensure it meets our standards before products are launched.
ABOUT YOU
* A formal qualification in culinary arts, baking, or patisserie is preferred, but hands-on experience in a professional kitchen, bakery, or food development setting is a must.
* An understanding of production and scaling is required, with a desire to learn the full NPD process from concept to launch.
* Excellent communication, organizational, and planning skills, with a keen eye for detail.
* A solid understanding of Excel and a willingness to learn other food management software.
* You are proactive about getting hands-on with our production team and you thrive in a busy, fast-paced environment.
* You can manage a busy diary and plan your time effectively to deliver on both production needs and development projects.
* You are a clear communicator with a positive, can-do attitude.
* You have a passion for the bakery industry and a strong interest in worldwide cuisines.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
* This is an on-site role, located at our Brentford Production Bakery, with free on-site parking available too.
* 40% team discount across our entire range both online and in-store.
* You’ll get 31 days of paid annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays.
* Access to Vitality Healthcare, providing you with a range of health and wellness services to support your well-being.
* Celebrate your birthday with a handmade birthday cake and enjoy the day off in addition to annual leave!
* Access to our company pension scheme; 5% from you and 3% from us.
* Beyond statutory sick pay, we provide 3 days of full paid sick leave each year.
* Prioritise your well-being with dedicated leave for a ‘Slice of Calm’ day, there when you need it most.