Development Chef

My client is one of the UKs largest Food Manufacturers producing a wide range of chilled products and they are looking to recruit a Development Chef based at their site in Cambridgeshire.
On a day to day basis the candidate will:
Support the concept development team to develop commercially viable, creative and innovative products which drive growth and to enable us to keep ahead of our competitors.

On a day to day basis the successful candidate will:

Motivate and inspire the team and business to new higher levels of culinary excellence
Expert food trend knowledge including tracking of food news
Able to forecast potential trends that will emerge, draws insights for our business
Attendance at selective food exhibitions, shows and seminars and summarisation of interesting/ingredients/trends/products found that could be of use across the business
To take approved concepts through to successful launches in the factory
Closely liase with the NPD Process Manager and Development team ensuring up to date awareness of customer briefs

Assist with internal feasibility assessment in terms of product design and the product process
Coordinate daily trial activities, assessing new raw materials and ensuring draft process control documentation is prepared in advance
Provision of all information in order to finalise product costings and to prepare for internal and customer product approval
Ensure approval of trial product, advising relevant personnel of the outcome of the customer review
Co ordinate all post trial tasks in order to confirm relevant product information
Responsibility for the preparation for and the co-facilitation of attended pre productions runs, ensuring customer approval of product.
To review materials, products and processes to drive innovation
Manage the NPD kitchen ensuring excellent standards are maintained at all times
Creative development resulting in the launch of new products in both current and new categories.
Support the concept team to meet & exceed customer expectations.

Packaging & new raw material development inline with NPD Brief.
Participate in brainstorm sessions to build strong bank of ideas & focus development.
Participate in tastings to provide the team with trained culinary feedback & thought suggestions for improvements where needed.
Concept development demonstrating understanding of customer policies/ brand standards.
Support the concept teams with repeat sampling when required
Completion of accurate recipe sheets
Cook up & present products clearly, accurately and persuasively at customer presentations & submission panels.
Establish & build relationships with key customer contacts.
Understanding of operational capabilities.
Understands the wants and needs of both internal and external customers to keep us continually ahead of our competition

In return you will receive a competitive salary with a great package and the opportunity to work and progress throughout a leading company.
The ideal candidate will have experience in a chilled environment and a passion for food. They will also be a fully qualified chef with relevant catering qualifications. The successful candidate will also have experience in a restaurant chef role and have experience an NPD environment.

Disclaimer: This vacancy is based in the United Kingdom. Barker Ross only operates in the UK and can only process applications from candidates who are currently a resident and eligible to work in the UK.
Whilst we will endeavour to contact you following your response due to the high volume of applications this cannot always be possible. If you have not had notification within 7 days unfortunately your application has not been successful but we will keep your details on file for future opportunities.
This vacancy is being advertised on behalf of Barker Ross Group who are acting as a recruitment agency.