Product Development Chef

We’re looking for an entrepreneurial, purpose‑led culinary specialist to shape the future of food innovation and bring happiness to consumers.

This role involves translating global culinary trends and consumer needs into inspiring product experiences across sweet and savoury portfolios. The successful candidate will work closely with chefs, flavour specialists, and R&D scientists to create gold‑standard concepts and new innovation formats.

• Hands‑on creation of new culinary products, working alongside senior chefs and flavour specialists to demonstrate winning experiences.
• Support development of new product experiences for sweet and savoury projects.
• Compile culinary and flavour trend reports, product and cuisine showcases, and bring culinary experiences & culture to life across the business.
• Plan events, arrange product tastings, order samples, liaise with suppliers, attend factory trials, and network within the culinary and food service landscapes.
• Maintain product development facilities to safe, hygienic and lean standards, driving continuous improvement.

• Relevant qualifications in patisserie & bakery industry.
• Food safety qualifications.
• Passion for food, global cuisines and trends awareness.
• Strong communication skills and collaborative mindset.
• Creative, innovative with good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Self‑motivated, independent, and able to work on the job.
• Full UK driving licence (role involves regular travel).
• Basic IT skills – Microsoft Suite, content creation & digital storytelling.

• Setting the Agenda
  :
  Think strategically, focus on innovation, solve problems, balance short‑term and long‑term priorities.
• Taking Others With Them
  :
  Champion collaboration, build inclusive, high‑performing teams across boundaries.
• Doing It Right
  :
  Deliver results, lead transformation projects in matrix organisations, manage multiple stakeholders.

pladis is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity of thinking and provide reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities. All positions are filled solely on qualifications, without regard to race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other protected class.