Salary Competitive

Location: Poole, Dorset (with nationwide travel)

Role Purpose:

The Development Chef will play a pivotal role within the New Product Development (NPD) Team at DB Foods, focusing on launching new products and translating innovative ideas into practical, commercially viable solutions. Working within the Butchers Innovation category of Ready to Cook products & Foodservice Sector, the Development Chef will combine creativity and technical expertise to deliver outstanding product concepts tailored to customer needs and market trends.

Key Responsibilities:

  • New Product Development (NPD):
    • Collaborate with the NPD Team to create, refine, and launch innovative products within the Retail, Ready to Cook & Foodservice category.
    • Balance creativity with practicality to ensure all concepts are feasible, scalable, and aligned with commercial objectives.
    • Conduct concept product trials and provide technical input on recipe development, production methods, and ingredient selection.
  • Innovation & Market Trends:
    • Stay abreast of food trends and customer insights, leveraging these to drive fresh ideas in product development.
    • Present innovative solutions that align with the Butchers Innovation strategy and support DB Foods’ competitive edge.
  • VIP Days & Customer Engagement:
    • Lead and prepare bespoke, high-quality lunches for VIP guests during on-site events in Poole.
    • Deliver impactful presentations and culinary demonstrations to customers both on-site and across the UK, showcasing DB Foods’ product innovation.
  • Collaboration & Communication:
    • Work closely with the Commercial Department to align NPD efforts with customer requirements and strategic goals.
    • Engage with key stakeholders across departments, including production and sales, to ensure seamless product launches.
  • Supplier engagement:
    • Act as the lead contact with recipe and ingredient suppliers to source the latest, most innovative ingredients, collaborating closely with the Commercial and Buying teams to ensure alignment with product development goals and commercial objectives.
  • Product Performance:
    • Support production teams with scaling recipes and troubleshooting challenges during the transition from concept to launch.
    • Ensure all products meet DB Foods’ standards for safety, quality, consistency, and market appeal.

Person Specification:

Essential Skills & Experience:

  • Proven experience as a Development Chef, ideally within the meat or Ready to Cook categories.
  • Strong culinary background with a flair for innovation and an understanding of commercial viability.
  • Ability to deliver engaging presentations and represent DB Foods in high-profile customer meetings and events.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
  • Flexibility to travel nationwide for customer visits and presentations.

Desirable:

  • Experience with Butchers Innovation or similar concepts.
  • Strong knowledge of the UK retail and foodservice sectors.

Benefits:

  • Competitive Salary.
  • Life Insurance.
  • Health & Wellbeing Support Programme.
  • Monthly Subsidised Meat Hamper.