Summary As our Development Chef, you will be the driving force behind our culinary identity. Working collaboratively with our Chefs and Unit Managers, you will architect innovative, exciting food presentation ideas and oversee menu development, utilising our fresh, sustainable ingredients. You'll ensure consistently delivered, highest quality food, leveraging your creative flair, originality, and expertise to truly make a stir in the school catering industry. Package At Stir, we give our teams the time, freedom, and tools they need to feel pride in their work every single day! You'll also benefit from a true commitment to work-life balance: Monday to Friday working only-say goodbye to all weekend shifts! 40 hours working with no late nights. 52 working weeks per year, structured around the term-time calendar (maximising time with family and friends!). £40,000 - £45,000 per annum Join a fast-growing, ambitious company dedicated to supporting your long-term career development. Access to our dedicated Learning & Development team for apprenticeships and advanced training courses available to all staff. Crucial Note: We expect all staff to share our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people. This role requires a mandatory enhanced DBS disclosure. Due to high demand for this key position, the role may be filled before the official closing date. Main Responsibilities This role balances strategic development with hands-on support and training: Menu & Quality Leadership: Lead the preparation of delicious, nutritious, and high-quality meals. You will oversee menu development and collaborate with unit teams to ensure a consistently fantastic dining experience that aligns with all food policies. Commercial Innovation: Develop pioneering food offers and marketing initiatives. Strategically ensure our catering remains on-trend, highly innovative, and profitable to maximise sales and aid retention and growth Talent Development & Coaching: Serve as a culinary mentor, providing support, guidance, and specialised training to chefs within your area. Ensure all staff are performing to required standards in food health, safety, quality, and compliance. Operational Excellence: Ensure excellent levels of service are delivered to customers at all times. Compliance Champion: Guarantee strict compliance with all Company & Client policies, site rules, and statutory regulations relating to Health & Safety, hygiene, cleanliness, fire, and COSHH. Ideal Candidate We seek a proven culinary expert who is passionate about setting and maintaining the highest standards of food and service: Previous experience in a development or senior culinary role, supported by an excellent craft background and skills. Strong industry acumen and forward-thinking knowledge of external catering developments and innovations. Strong financial understanding and proven ability to manage and adhere to budgets. Proven ability to communicate effectively across different management levels. Experienced in working within, adhering to, and actively driving compliance-led company initiatives and standards.