Development Chef / NPD Chef *Annual Salary: £26,000 - £35,000 per annum
*Location: Warrington
*Job Type: Full-time
We are recruiting on behalf of a top employer based in Warrington, who are seeking a Development Chef to work alongside the Sales team, in producing recipes, suitable to present to Customers. This role is crucial for the successful development and control of all new and existing products, ensuring they meet regulatory standards and align with customer and company specifications. If you have a passion for food product development and a knack for innovation, this position offers a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact.
Day-to-day of the role: *Support the entire New Product Development (NPD) process including cooking and sampling concepts/products at customer presentations, making amendments to product concepts, and dealing with ingredient/flavour suppliers.
*Prepare and produce recipes in the kitchen within required specifications to ensure all NPD can be scaled up for production.
*Collaborate with the Head of Commercial to respond effectively to customer briefs and develop innovative & commercially viable product ranges.
*Develop new product concepts, including packaging, to provide the sales team with new opportunities to generate customer sales.
*Source ingredients and flavours for each development brief/product submission and build positive relationships with external suppliers.
*Conduct regular taste panels for both standard and competitor products and document the results.
*Support the Technical & Production teams during product trials and throughout the product launch process.
*Liaise with the Technical department on issues regarding product consistency, safety, quality, and legality.
*Support the sales team by cooking/sampling products at customer tradeshows as required.
*Ensure compliance with all health & safety legislation regarding food hygiene and safe working practices.
Required Skills & Qualifications: *Proven experience in food product development, preferably within a similar industry.
*Strong understanding of the commercial aspects of product development and the ability to put the customer at the heart of decision-making.
*Ability to create and develop new product concepts led by customer insights and industry trends.
*Knowledge of industry regulations and trends to ensure products remain compliant and competitive.
*Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence key stakeholders and decision-makers.
*Resilient under pressure with the ability to meet tight deadlines and stay focused on goals.
*Team player with a collaborative approach and a commitment to achieving common goals.
Benefits: *Competitive salary package.
*Opportunities for professional growth and development.
*Dynamic and supportive work environment.
To apply for the Product Development Specialist position, please submit your CV and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are interested in this role.