Kitchen Developer

Kitchen Developer

London

Role Overview:

• Accountable for developing recipes and assisting the Senior NPD Manager in bringing products from initial concept through to Gate 2 approval.
• Oversees the daily running of the kitchen and management of the ingredient storage.
• Prepares product ranges and sample dishes as required.

Product Development & Innovation:

• Creates recipes aligned with briefs from the Senior NPD Manager, while proactively suggesting alternative concepts that are practical, commercially viable, and scalable.
• Keeps accurate records of recipes, processes, and communicates requirements clearly to suppliers.
• Leads and presents kitchen development updates in NPD meetings, with support from the Senior NPD Manager or Product Developer.
• Organises sample tastings, collaborates with the Senior NPD Manager/Product Developer and suppliers to evaluate submissions, and provides constructive feedback.
• Stays informed on category-specific food trends and new market launches across retail and hospitality; produces trend reports, coordinates competitor benchmarking sessions, and maintains category CRIB documentation.
• Identifies critical quality checkpoints before Gate 2, develops preparation and cooking guidelines to ensure optimal product quality, finalises product specifications at Gate 2, supports related documentation, and is responsible for producing the product QAS.

Kitchen Operations:

• Ensures the kitchen remains clean, well-organised, and efficient at all times.
• Maintains stock levels of ingredients needed for active NPD projects.
• Assists with the NPD shopping list and keeps the team informed on sourcing availability for required ingredients and samples.
• Prepares dishes and products for internal meetings, and organises and supports food for external customer presentations.

What We Offer:

• Attractive salary package
• Competitive bonus structure
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Private health insurance

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