Development Chef

About the role

Fresh Direct, a supplier of fresh produce, fish and seafood, speciality ingredients and meal solutions, is looking for an experienced Development Chef to join its Food Development team. The role is remote, ideally based in the Bicester / Oxfordshire area, at 39 hours per week, and involves frequent travel throughout the country and occasional overnight stays.

Key responsibilities

• Build close working relationships with customers' food development teams
• Work internally with category, manufacturing, sales, procurement, marketing and technical teams to deliver innovation and support customers
• Help develop menus and grow sales and margin for Fresh Direct
• Take an active role in new product development (NPD): create recipes, manage customer expectations, track progress and manage data
• Plan, prepare and present customer food days in line with briefs and expectations
• Share food and industry knowledge and expertise with colleagues

Required profile

• Senior-level foodservice experience with excellent culinary skills and a proven track record
• Passion for fresh produce and ingredients, and ability to adapt to many culinary styles and cuisines
• Good knowledge of the foodservice industry (brands, operators, trends)
• Experience presenting to large audiences and building customer relationships
• Full UK driving licence

Required skills

• Good working knowledge of PowerPoint, Excel and Word
• Influencing, negotiation and interpersonal skills

What we offer

• Competitive salary and a company car or car allowance
• A home-based contract
• Additional holiday purchase options to top up annual leave
• Food at significant discounts