Development Chef – Food Innovation

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Development Chef to join a fast‑growing food innovation business. Reporting to the Culinary Lead, you will own the full lifecycle of new product concepts, from initial brief through to commercial launch, working closely with customers, internal teams and co‑manufacturing partners.

Key responsibilities

• Develop creative, commercially viable food concepts and recipes.
• Create, test, refine and document recipes, producing high‑quality samples for presentations.
• Collaborate with customers, internal stakeholders and external co‑manufacturers to ensure smooth scale‑up.
• Support factory trials, troubleshoot product or process issues, and adapt recipes for different manufacturing capabilities.
• Research ingredients, cuisines, formats and emerging food trends.
• Manage multiple projects, maintain development records and meet strict deadlines.
• Uphold high standards of hygiene and quality in the development kitchen.

Required profile

• Strong culinary foundation with experience in Michelin‑starred, AA Rosette, luxury hotel or premium catering environments.
• Previous role as Development Chef, NPD Chef, Innovation Chef or similar.
• Proven experience working with external manufacturers or co‑manufacturing partners.
• Creative, commercially aware, organised and confident in communicating with diverse stakeholders.

Required skills

• Recipe development
• Food product scale‑up
• Ingredient functionality analysis
• Food safety and hygiene compliance

What we offer

• Competitive salary £40,000‑£45,000 per year.
• Full‑time, Monday‑to‑Friday schedule.
• On‑site role based in Surrey (Redhill).
• Opportunity to see your ideas progress from concept to commercial production.