Overview
The Senior Development Chef works closely with the wider NPD and Category teams to support the development and innovation plan at a Multi-Site Level. The role involves developing both EPD/NPD products with a strong drive in innovation, making samples and presenting to customers, costing and supporting feasibilities and procurement, and supporting multi-site collaboration within the culinary team. The Senior Development Chef collaborates with the broader development team and other key stakeholders to deliver profitable growth for the Compleat Food Group and its customers. Effective delivery of the business strategy and customer category plans as directed by the Development Chef and/or Development Controller/Manager.
Responsibilities
* Support in the sites concept NPD/EPD agenda to required cost and within agreed timescales.
* Strong involvement in customer briefs and presentations.
* Deliver innovation that translates into profitable concepts that fit market requirements.
* Drive food values for site and wider business including visual/verbal communication and displays.
* Interpret varying customer briefs to deliver innovative concepts meeting product style, key attributes, legislation, customer guidelines and brand values.
* Work with NPD managers to interpret briefs and allocate work between chef and technologist.
* Present concepts internally to site teams and lead senior management presentations when required.
* Collaborate with purchasing to source new ingredients, prices, minimum order quantities and raw material specifications.
* Coordinate with procurement to provide Finance with costings and information required for cost analyses.
* Interpret costings and amend products to be commercially viable.
* Gather information for customer presentations (theoretical nutritional data, photographs, benchmarks, product descriptions) for internal and external use.
* Confidently present products to customers and support NPD Managers and Development Manager at presentations/meetings.
* Discuss current and future products confidently; ensure product displays are appropriate.
* Lead recipe build on Point 74 Recipe Professor system or site finance recipe build documents and support site feasibility sessions.
* Manage workload with site kitchen planner and communicate workload to the wider business and culinary function.
* Interpret theoretical nutritional results against guidelines and respond appropriately.
* Complete relevant benchmarking documentation and presentations for food shows/shops.
* Drive proactive development initiatives to push production/technical boundaries and drive cost savings and efficiency for the business.
* Support value engineering of ingredients, packaging and processes; liaise with suppliers for process and ingredient improvements.
* Play a key role in driving innovation for site and wider group; challenge factory processes and identify new trends to keep products current.
* Involvement in blue sky activity including customer and supplier involvement; review competitive market reports and benchmarking panels as required.
* Identify new market opportunities and directional shopping for all sites (shows, local markets, farm shops, restaurant reviews).
* Maintain awareness of market trends and ensure alignment with new launches and competitors.
* Communicate effectively with various teams; organize and attend project meetings and panels; ensure clear written and verbal communication.
* Work as part of a team and across sites as required; participate with development technologists and chefs in other site activities.
* Promote Health and Safety culture and follow all H&S requirements during kitchen and process development work.
* Support general office duties and organize customer visits; promote strong food values across the business.
* Be flexible to cover weekends and night shifts as required; work in line with the company's development processes and complete necessary PDRs. Include volunteering and charitable initiatives as part of company activities.
Qualifications
* Experience within a food development chef role (preferred).
* Strong food industry background; restaurant experience (Rosette +) preferred.
* Catering college qualification (not essential); strong cookery skills with flair for innovation.
* A valid driving licence is required.
* Organisation and planning skills; ability to communicate at different levels of seniority.
* Excellent presentation skills and basic computing skills; ability to work both as part of a team and independently.
* Passion for food; enthusiasm to learn and grow; hardworking and driven.
Benefits
* Salary Sacrifice Schemes (EVs, Home & Tech, Cycle to Work) and SMART Pension.
* 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays) with option to purchase extra.
* Discounts on products and enhanced retail discounts; free product handouts across sites.
* EV charging points at selected sites; 24/7 Grocery Aid support; wellbeing and mental health resources.
* Career growth: LMS access, training opportunities, performance development plans, mentoring, and recognition programs.
The Compleat Food Group fosters an inclusive, respectful culture and is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diverse talent and provide support to succeed. If you have questions about Diversity & Inclusion or accessibility during the application process, contact us. Recruitment Agencies: We operate a preferred supplier list and do not acknowledge speculative CVs or unsolicited introductions. We only accept CV submissions for roles released directly by our Talent Acquisition team.
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