Our story goes back more than 150 years to the chilly southern coast of Scandinavia. From our early success in Sweden and Denmark we grew into the world’s leading specialist producer of plant‑based oils, employing more than 4,000 people worldwide.
About the Role
AAK BD Foods is seeking a highly creative and experienced Product Development Chef to drive innovation within our product offering and customer base. The successful candidate will be part of a team responsible for researching, creating and testing new recipes in line with our factory capabilities and guidelines, ensuring products meet both commercial and customer expectations as well as our technical requirements.
Responsibilities
* Work closely with customers and colleagues within a bespoke manufacturer to research, design and test new recipes and product ranges.
* Innovate and refresh existing products to keep them the best they can be or negate cost where appropriate.
* Collaborate with operations, procurement, technical and commercial teams to ensure new dishes are viable, scalable and cost‑effective.
* Take an active interest in food trends, competitor activity and customer feedback to inform development decisions.
* Ensure all recipes and products comply with customer brand standards, food safety and nutritional guidelines.
* Present products to customers and internal teams.
* Maintain accurate records and documents within the department and company‑wide.
* Work as part of a team to maintain a good standard of work environment.
About You
* Proven experience as a Development Chef or similar senior culinary role.
* Strong knowledge of current food trends, flavour profiles and presentation styles.
* Experience in recipe creation and product launch.
* Commercial awareness with the ability to balance creativity with profitability.
* Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
* Strong communication and presentation skills.
* Understanding of food safety, allergens and nutritional regulations.
* Literate, numerate and computer savvy.
Qualifications
* Formal culinary training (NVQ, City & Guilds or equivalent).
* Experience in NPD preferably within a relevant manufacturing environment.
* Willingness to undertake relevant training on Food Safety, HACCP, Allergens etc.
* Full driving licence.
In return AAK offer
* Free hot drinks.
* Free parking onsite.
* On‑site canteen serving hot food.
* 25 days holidays plus bank holiday.
* Company pension 3% employee, 5% employer.
* Life assurance cover.
* UK healthcare scheme, including gym and lifestyle discounts.
About AAK
Everything AAK does is about Making Better Happen™. We specialise in plant‑based oils that are the value‑adding ingredients in many of the products people love to consume. We make these products better tasting, healthier and more sustainable. At the heart of AAK’s offer is Customer Co‑Development, combining our desire to understand what better means for each customer, with the unique flexibility of our production assets and a deep knowledge of many products and industries.
AAK prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, religion, veteran status and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law in any aspect of the access to, admission, or treatment of students in its programs and activities, or in employment and application for employment.
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