Development Chef
Location: Crewe, CW1, 6XQ
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8:30-17:00; Friday, 8:30-16:00
Purpose
The Development Chef works closely with the wider New Product Development and Category teams to support the development and innovation plan at the site. Our manufacturing site in Crewe specialises in savory and sweet bakery products for Wrights foodservice.
Responsibilities
- Interpret varying customer briefs to create and deliver innovative food concepts that meet customer and market requirements.
- Gather information required and confidently present products to customers and internal site teams.
- Build recipes and interpret theoretical nutritional results against guidelines.
- Effectively deliver the business strategy and customer category plans as directed by the Development Manager.
- Understand and drive proactive development initiatives which push factory production and technical boundaries to maximise cost savings and efficiency.
- Identify new trends and maintain current products to deliver newness to the category by understanding the market.
- Communicate with teams including NPD, purchasing and finance to interpret briefs, source new ingredients and carry out costings.
- Promote health and safety culture across the site and follow health and safety requirements during kitchen and process development work.
- Work alongside development technologists and chefs through travel to other sites when required.
Requirements
- Experience as a Development Chef in food manufacturing (minimum 1 year).
- Strong food experience background.
- Catering college qualification (desirable).
- Valid driving licence (essential).
Key Skills
- Strong cookery skills with flair for innovation and creativity.
- Organisation and planning.
- Communication at different levels of seniority.
- Presentation skills.
- Good IT skills including Microsoft Office.
- Team player but can work independently.
Qualities
- Passion for food.
- Enthusiasm to learn and grow.
- Hard working and driven.
Benefits
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes – including Electric Vehicles, Home & Tech, Cycle to Work, and SMART Pension.
- 33 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays) with the option to purchase extra.
- Holiday discounts via our online retail platform.
- Access to enhanced retail discounts online and in-store.
- Free product handouts across our sites.
- EV charging points at selected sites.
- 24/7 access to GroceryAid for free financial, emotional and practical support.
- Physical Wellbeing Hub – free on-demand exercise classes, gym discounts.
- Free diet & nutrition advice with access to thousands of healthy recipes.
- Online wellbeing support from mindfulness to lifestyle resources.
- Financial wellbeing tools including mortgage calculators, budgeting tools and financial aid.
- Access to a personalised online learning platform (LMS).
- Formal and informal training opportunities tailored to your role.
- Performance Development Plans and regular Career Conversations.
- Company Mentoring Scheme to support your career journey.
- Recognition through Club Compleat rewards.
- 2 paid volunteering days per year.
- Charity initiatives and fundraising events.
- Team socials to connect and celebrate together.
- Employee networks & support groups – including Women @ Compleat.
- New baby gift for new parents.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Compleat Food Group fosters an inclusive, respectful culture where everyone feels safe, supported, and valued. We welcome diverse talent, knowing it drives exceptional results and a better workplace. We are committed to fairness, equity, inclusivity and respect, ensuring all colleagues can thrive by bringing their whole selves to work. As an equal opportunity employer, we provide all the support you need to succeed.
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