We have an exciting opportunity to join the Pilgrims Europe Product & Innovation team with a vacancy for a Research & Development Chef based at our Grantham site.
Location: Grantham
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
No direct reports
This role will work closely with the R&D Manager and Senior Chefs in nurturing a food culture in the business, in line with our journey to become a world class food company.
The successful candidate will work to bring new products to market, from the initial concept right through to product launch, by developing a unique portfolio of brilliant recipes that will be valued by our customers, supporting delivery of business growth and profitability.
Key areas of responsibility include (but not limited to):
* Owner of recipe development (inc. recipe cost) on specific projects using Recipe Professor.
* Support Senior Chef in packaging development (inc. packaging cost) on specific projects via Central Innovation Manager.
* Prepare product costings to target MSP's and understand the business implications from a commercial and manufacturing point of view.
* Provide product samples for internal/external meetings.
* Owner of uploading costing request forms to Product Costing & Insight (PC&I) Portal.
* Be at the forefront of the latest food trends to shape future NPD or innovation projects.
* Maintain the upkeep of the NPD kitchen to a Gold Standard, support the site by using the paperless digital COSHH Management system for the control of all NPD Kitchen Chemicals.
* During the development process and early gate stages you will actively liaise with the cross functional site team to discuss all new products, raw materials, processing and packaging
* You will work closely with PC&I / Commercial teams to deliver commercially viable products and send costing files to PC&I (min 48hrs before submission).
* Build relationships with retailers and ensure customer care and adherence to the Pilgrims Europe Vision and Values “To become the best and most respected company in our industry…”
Skills and Knowledge:
* 3 Years' experience as a Chef or equivalent food experience essential
* Product / Menu Costing Experience
* Supply chain experience -Sourcing of Ingredients / Produce
* Project management skills
* IT Proficiency – Excel/Word/Powerpoint
* Ingredient Knowledge/Food Passion
* Previous experience in the Food Industry
* Relevant Food Industry Qualifications and/or Experience
* Must have a full clean UK driving license
What We Offer:
* Competitive salary
* Career development opportunities within a growing, forward thinking business
* Competitive annual leave and enhanced Sick Pay
* 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
* End of Year Thank you Gift and Lunch, Refer a Friend Scheme, Stars Awards, Wellbeing Initiatives, Long Service Awards
* Free site Car Parking, Life Assurance and many more
This role would be suitable for someone who is passionate with relevant restaurant/hospitality industry experience and exceptional culinary and creative food skills. As well as excellent Communication Skills and multi-tasking experience.
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