Menu Development Chef

About the Role

Our client is looking for an innovative and culinary-focused Menu Development Chef to create exciting and marketable dishes for their diverse catering services in Nottingham . This role is central to staying ahead in the competitive catering market, requiring creativity, a deep understanding of food trends, and the ability to translate concepts into delicious, executable recipes. You will work closely with the operations and sales teams to develop menus that meet client demands and operational capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, test, and develop new menu items and seasonal specials for various catering events.
• Research and identify emerging food trends, ingredients, and culinary techniques to inspire menu innovation.
• Create detailed recipes, including costing, preparation instructions, and presentation guidelines.
• Collaborate with the Head Chef and operations team to ensure feasibility and scalability of new menu items.
• Conduct taste panels and gather feedback to refine and optimize menu offerings.
• Assist in training kitchen staff on new dishes and preparation methods.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Chef with a strong focus on menu development and recipe creation.
• Demonstrable creativity and a passion for culinary arts.
• Strong understanding of food costing, nutritional information, and dietary considerations.
• Excellent culinary skills and knowledge of various cooking techniques and cuisines.
• Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in food safety standards and best practices.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and opportunities for culinary innovation.
• Chance to influence the menu offerings for a growing catering business.
• Access to high-quality ingredients and modern kitchen facilities.
• Generous holiday entitlement and company pension.
• A creative and supportive work environment with professional growth opportunities.