Job Description
We are partnering with a leading international food business known for delivering innovative, high-quality products across the UK retail channel. With a strong presence in the UK and European markets, the business prides itself on creativity, collaboration, and staying ahead of food trends.
The Innovation team sits at the heart of the organisation, working closely with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders to bring exciting new concepts to life. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a dynamic, fast-paced environment where ideas are encouraged and developed into real products on shelves.
Junior Development Chef
European food business
£25,000 - 27,000
Site-based | Hertfordshire
The Role
As a Junior Development Chef, you will support the Innovation team in developing new products and recipes aligned to customer and internal briefs. This is a hands-on, customer-facing role where you’ll work closely with retail buyers, suppliers, and internal teams, assisting with sample preparation, product testing, and presentations. You’ll help manage the day-to-day activities of the innovation kitchen, ensure food safety and quality standards are met, and contribute to trend research and market insights to support new product ideas.
This role offers excellent exposure to both the creative and technical sides of product development, making it ideal for someone early in their career looking to grow within the food industry.
You
We are looking for an enthusiastic and driven individual with a passion for food innovation. Ideal backgrounds include:
* A recent graduate with a Food Science or related degree, ideally with a placement year or 6–9 months’ industry experience
* OR, hands-on experience working as a chef in a professional kitchen
* Strong interest in food trends, product development, and the UK retail market
* Excellent communication skills and confidence working with customers and retail buyers
* Highly organised with strong attention to detail
* A proactive, team-oriented mindset with the ability to work independently when required
* Basic understanding of food safety and quality standards
If you're looking to kick-start your career in food innovation within a collaborative and customer-facing environment, this is a brilliant opportunity to develop your skills and make a real impact.