I’m partnering with a highly respected, industry-leading food manufacturer who is seeking a Senior Development Chef to drive innovation.

This is an exciting opportunity for a creative, commercially aware development professional who can take projects from concept to launch and inspire retailers with outstanding food.

The Opportunity

In this role, you’ll take the lead on key retailer development projects, driving both NPD and EPD while identifying fresh opportunities to grow and elevate the category. You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams to shape insight-led concepts, deliver high-quality recipes, and ensure all development flows smoothly into factory launch.

My client is looking for someone who can bring passion, energy, and a deep understanding of food trends along with the confidence to present ideas and wow customers with compelling innovation.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead development projects for major retailer accounts, ensuring delivery against briefs and spotting new commercial opportunities.
• Turn consumer insight and market trends into standout products that deliver flavour, quality and real point of difference.
• Work collaboratively with NPD, Process, Technical, Operations, Category and Commercial teams to take products from kitchen sample to launch.
• Support customer engagement sessions, showcasing innovation and strengthening retailer relationships.
• Drive a culture of quality and continuous improvement across the development function.
• Present new concepts confidently to both internal teams and external customers.
• Ensure seamless handover of products into production, understanding capabilities and scaling considerations.
• Stay ahead of category trends, equipment developments and emerging culinary influences.

About You

• Experience as a chef or product technologist, ideally within food manufacturing.
• Strong culinary skills with natural flair, creativity and a passion for flavour.
• Confident in delivering high-level cooking demonstrations and product presentations.
• Able to link trends, consumer needs and brand expectations into commercially viable products.
• Highly organised, detail-focused and able to work under pressure to tight timelines.
• Competent with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
• A proactive team player with flexibility and a full driving licence.

Why This Role Stands Out

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward-thinking organisation where creativity is encouraged and innovation truly matters. You’ll have the platform to influence major retailer launches, shape category direction, and see your ideas reach millions of consumers.

If you’re a dynamic, trend-driven development chef looking for your next challenge, I’d love to talk.

Apply now or get in touch to find out more about this outstanding opportunity.