Job: Development Chef (9 month FTC)
Location: Wisbech (with travel other sites as required)
Following the combination with Bakkavor in January 2026, we’re one of the UK’s leading creators of convenience food, driven by a simple purpose: to make everyday taste better.
As a vibrant and fast-moving business, we’re proud to employ over 28,000 talented colleagues across 36 manufacturing sites and 21 distribution depots in the UK and the US. Together, we bring delicious food to life. Our products cover every meal occasion from breakfast through to dinner and dessert, with lunch and snacking in between. In FY25, our shared passion helped us achieve combined revenues of approximately £4bn.
Our extensive direct to store (DTS) network, with 17 depots across the UK, allows us to deliver fresh and frozen food both our own and from trusted partners to thousands of stores every day, ensuring consumers enjoy the very best, whenever and wherever they shop.
We are seeking a passionate and driven Development Chef to join our innovative team. This role offers an exciting opportunity for a talented culinary professional to apply their creativity and technical expertise within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.
Working closely with our Senior Development Chef and Head Chef, you will play a key role in developing new and inspiring food concepts, supporting kitchen trials, and contributing to the continuous evolution of our product range.
Key Responsibilities:
* Develop innovative food concepts and recipes in line with customer briefs and market trends.
* Support the NPD process from concept to launch, ensuring high culinary and quality standards.
* Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams including Technical, Process, and Commercial.
* Attend customer presentations and contribute to showcasing new ideas and developments.
* Provide culinary support during factory trials and product scale-up.
* Maintain an up-to-date understanding of market and food trends.
About You:
* Experienced Chef with industry-recognised qualifications (e.g. NVQ, City & Guilds or equivalent).
* Minimum 3 years’ experience within a food manufacturing environment.
* Strong creative flair with a genuine passion for innovation and food trends.
* Self-motivated and organised, with the ability to work independently and within a team structure.
* Confident communicator with a collaborative approach.
* Flexible to travel, particularly to our Kiveton site and occasionally to other northern locations for trials, meetings, or customer presentations.
Why Join Us?
This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a dynamic and growing food business, where your ideas and culinary talent will help shape the future of our products. You’ll be supported by an experienced leadership team and have the freedom to bring your creativity to life.
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