Job Advert
Join Our New Product Development Team at The Compleat Food Group!
We’re excited to offer an incredible opportunity for a Development Chef to join our dedicated and professional New Product Development team in Middlesbrough!
Role Details
Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5pm
Role Type: Permanent, Full Time Role
Location: Middlesbrough
Salary: Up to £30,000
Your Duties Will Include
* Interpret diverse customer briefs from retailers to develop and deliver innovative food concepts aligned with market and customer needs
* Gather relevant information and confidently present product concepts to both customers and internal teams
* Develop recipes and assess theoretical nutritional values against required guidelines
* Drive proactive development initiatives that challenge production and technical boundaries to improve efficiency and reduce costs
* Identify emerging trends and maintain existing product ranges to ensure continued innovation within the category
* Collaborate with NPD, purchasing, and finance teams to interpret briefs, source ingredients, and manage costings
* Promote a strong health and safety culture, ensuring compliance during kitchen and development activities
* Work collaboratively with development technologists and chefs, including travel to other sites as required
About You
* Experience in a development kitchen or food manufacturing environment. Experience supporting or delivering products from concept to launch preferred.
* Good working knowledge of recipe development food safety and basic manufacturing processes. Understands key parameters such as yield, cook loss and basic costing. Developing knowledge of scale up and factory constraints.
* Professional cookery qualification or relevant experience. Basic food safety certification required.
* Good communication and teamwork skills. Organised and able to manage workload. Positive attitude and willingness to learn. Attention to detail.
* Flexible across projects and able to support different categories and customers as required. Some travel expected.
Why Join Us?
Financial & Lifestyle Benefits
* Salary Sacrifice Schemes - including Electric Vehicles, Home & Tech, Cycle to Work, and SMART Pension
* 33 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays) with the option to purchase extra
* Holiday Discounts via our online retail platform
* Access to enhanced retail discounts online and in-store
* Free product handouts across our sites, so you can sample and enjoy our delicious products first hand
* EV charging points - available at selected sites
Health & Wellbeing
* 24/7 access to GroceryAid for free financial, emotional, and practical support
* Physical Wellbeing Hub - free on-demand exercise classes, gym discounts
* Free diet & nutrition advice with access to thousands of healthy recipes
* Online wellbeing support - from mindfulness to lifestyle resources
* Financial wellbeing tools - including mortgage calculators, budgeting tools, and financial aid
Career Growth & Development
* Access to a personalised online learning platform (LMS)
* Formal and informal training opportunities tailored to your role
* Performance Development Plans and regular Career Conversations
* Company Mentoring Scheme to add depth and really support your career journey
* Recognition through Club Compleat rewards
Community & Culture
* 2 paid volunteering days per year to give back to causes that matter to you
* Charity initiatives and fundraising events
* Team socials to connect and celebrate togetherEmployee networks & support groups - including Women @ Compleat
* New baby gift for new parents
The Compleat Food Group fosters an inclusive, respectful culture where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. We welcome diverse talent, knowing it drives exceptional results and a better workplace. We are committed to Fairness, Equity, Inclusivity, and Respect, we ensure all colleagues can thrive by bringing their whole selves to work. As an equal opportunity’s employer, we provide all the support you need to succeed.
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