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Job Title: NPD Chef
Location: Faversham, Kent (you MUST drive and have your own vehicle due to location)
Salary: up to £50,000
Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm
Our Client:
Are a leading producer of authentic sauces, relishes, marinades and pastes. They pride themselves on combining traditional recipes with modern innovation, supplying food service and manufacturing customers in the UK and internationally.
Role Summary:
We're looking for a NPD Chef that likes a challenge, working in a newly installer kitchen, you will help create new and exciting food concepts. You'll play a key role in the development of innovative products from kitchen samples to commercial production, with a strong emphasis on taste, authenticity and quality.
Benefits:
- 28 days annual leave (inclusive of Bank Holidays) - increasing with length of service
- An additional 3 days annual leave for Christmas shutdown
- Access to a rewards and discount benefit platform.
- Company recognition incentives.
- Referral vouchers
- Social events
- Free on site parking
- Workplace Pension
Key responsibilities within your new role would be to:
- Work closely with the Sales team to liaise and present innovative projects to customers.
- Develop new recipes and product concepts in line with customer briefs and brand identity.
- Prepare high-quality samples to showcase to customers as required.
- Reformulate existing products to improve taste, functionality or cost.
- Plan and execute New Product Development (NPD) trials and projects to introduce exciting new offerings.
- Lead the creation and upscaling of the company's products from kitchen samples to full scale production.
- Develop and document clear recipe instructions to support the production processes.
- Support the Production team in resolving ingredient or recipe challenges to ensure smooth transitions during production trials.
- Stay ahead with market trends through market research and competitor analysis, identifying opportunities for growth.
- Assist in scaling up recipes for production trials.
- Work closely with the technical department to develop specifications and calculate accurate product costings.
- Collaborate with the Production Manager to ensure new products meet brand standards and align with market demands.
- Complete and maintain required documentation to ensure food safety compliance including HACCP.
- Provide hands on support to the Production team in the factory when required.
Experience and skills required for this position:
- Minimum 2 years of experience as an NPD Chef or equivalent in a manufacturing environment.
- Proven experience of taking concept kitchen samples to full scale production.
- Creative mindset and passion for innovation and product development.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to plan, coordinate and execute tasks efficiently.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet strict deadlines.
- Quick learner with the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
- A solid understanding of process procedures.
- High level of attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced and moving environment.
- In depth knowledge of relevant safety and quality standards and procedures including Food Safety.
Next steps:
If this sounds like the ideal position for you and you have the experience outlined above, then please apply and you will be contacted by a member of our team if your CV matches our requirements.
If you would like any further information before applying, then please call Ellie (Permanent Consultant) on .
Alternatively, if you know someone who may be suitable for this role please share the details, if you successfully refer a friend, you will receive a £50 voucher *terms apply*.
Adecco acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
By applying for this role your details will be submitted to Adecco. Our Candidate Privacy Information Statement explaining how we will use your information is available on our website.
