Overview
We are seeking a talented and experienced Development Chef to join our dynamic team in an NPD role for chocolate products. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, extensive culinary expertise, and a passion for delivering exceptional products. This role offers an exciting opportunity to manage product development.
To lead the development, optimisation, and launch of new food products from concept to commercialisation. The role ensures all NPD activity aligns with customer requirements, food safety standards (BRCGS, HACCP), operational capabilities, and commercial objectives. The NPD role acts as the bridge between Technical, Production, Procurement, Commercial, and Quality teams to deliver safe, compliant, profitable products.
Key Responsibilities
1. Product Development & Innovation
* Lead the end‑to‑end NPD process from concept generation to launch.
* Develop recipes, formulations, and prototypes aligned with customer briefs and market trends.
* Conduct feasibility assessments considering cost, process capability, allergens, and shelf life.
* Maintain detailed development records, version control, and traceability for all trials.
2. Compliance, Food Safety & Technical Governance
* Ensure all new products meet BRCGS, HACCP, and customer technical requirements.
* Generate and maintain product specifications, QAS, allergen matrices, and risk assessments.
* Work with the Technical team to validate CCPs, process flows, and labelling compliance.
* Support artwork approval, ensuring accuracy of ingredients, claims, and nutritional data.
3. Factory Trials & Process Integration
* Plan, coordinate, and lead factory trials, ensuring robust data capture and traceability.
* Collaborate with Production and Engineering to optimise processes and ensure scalability.
* Identify potential risks (quality, safety, operational) and implement corrective actions.
* Review trial outcomes and adjust formulations or processes as required.
4. Project Management & Cross‑Functional Collaboration
* Manage multiple NPD projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines and milestones are met.
* Work closely with Procurement to source new raw materials and validate supplier compliance.
* Partner with Commercial to support customer presentations, costings, and product pitches.
* Communicate project status clearly to stakeholders and maintain structured documentation.
5. Continuous Improvement
* Analyse product performance post‑launch and drive improvements where needed.
* Review and refine NPD processes to enhance efficiency, traceability, and audit readiness.
* Monitor market trends and competitor activity to identify innovation opportunities.
Key Skills & Competencies
* Strong understanding of food safety standards (BRCGS, HACCP, allergen management).
* Excellent project management and organisational skills.
* Ability to translate customer briefs into commercially viable products.
* Analytical mindset with strong problem‑solving capability.
* Confident communicator across technical and non‑technical teams.
* Proficiency in documentation, version control, and structured record‑keeping.
* Creativity balanced with operational practicality.
Experience & Qualifications
* Experience as a development chef or experience in food manufacturing NPD (retail, B2B, or branded).
* Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment.
* Experience working with technical documentation, specifications, and compliance systems.
* Knowledge of process equipment and factory operations.
KPIs / Measures of Success
* On‑time delivery of NPD projects.
* Successful factory trials with minimal rework.
* Compliance accuracy (specifications, labelling, allergen controls).
* Product performance post‑launch (quality, complaints, cost adherence).
* Customer satisfaction and repeat business.
* Efficiency and robustness of NPD documentation and processes.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £25,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company events
* Company pension
* Employee discount
* Free parking
* On-site parking
* Store discount
Work Location: In person