R&D Chef

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We have an exciting opportunity to join the Pilgrims Europe Product & Innovation team with a vacancy for a Development Chef based at our Windmill Lane site in West London.

Location
:
Windmill Lane, Southall
Contract
:
Permanent, Full-time
No direct reports

• Product development based on proactive innovation & customer briefs.
• Be aware of target costs, promotional mechanics, quality tiering and operational efficiencies prior to developing propositions.
• Prepare product costings to target MSP and understand the business implications from a commercial and manufacturing point of view.
• Be aware of insights from customers and PEU customer team to enable propositions to reflect both the consumer and customer needs (inc. awareness of the innovation platforms & customer clusters).
• Be involved in idea generation and Innovation Day delivery.
• Working in partnership with the PEU purchasing team ensuring all new raw materials are approved and logged on the site raw material tracker prior to being approved by the customer.
• Prepare product samples for customers, photography, shelf life, handovers, pre‑pro and launches.
• Support, encourage and provide clear direction for the R&D Kitchen Assistants.
• Along with the total team ensure that the Innovation/Development Centre is maintained and cleaned to the highest possible standards.
• Prepare and present detailed product handovers for the manufacturing site teams for all approved products.
• To present all new concepts to site SLT prior to retail panels ensuring accurate costings are delivered against current factory capabilities.
• Ensure the transfer of quality into the factory with the NPI Team during trials and ongoing post‑launch.
• Help prepare/agree specifications for all new raw materials, packaging and processes alongside the Technical department.
• Review the quality of existing products via Consistency Panels.
• To work alongside the R&D Coordinators/NPI team to prepare high quality presentation paperwork.
• To be involved in Customer presentations and ensure that all presentations have a logical flow, illustrating a sound understanding of recipes, commercials, customer need and manufacturing capabilities, as well as demonstrating a passion for food.
• Build relationship with customer(s).
• Maintain awareness of market, consumer & restaurant trends and competitor activity, applying this knowledge during the development phase.
• Maintain awareness as to the potential upgrade of existing products giving consideration to operation efficiencies and Pips initiatives.

• 5 years’ experience as a Chef or equivalent food experience essential.
• Previous experience in the Food Manufacturing Industry desirable.
• Product / Menu Costing Experience.
• Sourcing of Ingredients/Produce.
• Passionate about food.
• Project management skills.
• Highly organized multi‑tasker.
• Attention to detail.
• Computer literate.
• Displays tenacity. Goes that extra mile to achieve results and deliver excellent service.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Enthusiastic team player.
• Build relationships internally and externally.

• Competitive salary.
• Career development opportunities within a growing, forward‑thinking business.
• Competitive annual leave and enhanced Sick Pay.
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• End of Year Thank you Gift and Lunch, Refer a Friend Scheme, Stars Awards, Wellbeing Initiatives, Long Service Awards.
• Free site Car Parking, Life Assurance and many more.

This role would be suitable for someone who is passionate and with relevant restaurant/hospitality industry experience and exceptional culinary and creative food skills, as well as excellent communication skills and multi‑tasking experience.