Contract Development Chef

Location: Hybrid Home and Poole
Reporting to: Managing director
Hours: (Flexible) based on briefs
Salary: Competitive

Role Overview

We are seeking a creative and commercially minded contract Development Chef to drive innovation within a protein-based food business, developing value-added protein products and ready to cook meal solutions. The role will focus on creating practical, scalable food solutions that meet customer needs across retail, foodservice and B2B channels.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop innovative protein-based products and meal solutions
• Create added-value concepts around fresh and prepared protein ranges
• Improve existing products for quality, consistency and margin
• Lead product trials, tastings and customer presentations
• Work closely with sales teams to deliver tailored customer solutions
• Ensure compliance with food safety, allergen and technical standards
• Monitor market trends in protein, health and convenience sectors

Key Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a development or senior chef role within protein, fresh food or prepared meals
• Strong understanding of protein categories (meat, poultry, plant-based or hybrid solutions)
• Commercial awareness with strong food cost control skills
• Ability to translate trends into scalable food solutions
• Excellent organisation and communication skills

What We Offer

• Flexible working
• Opportunity to shape innovation in a growing protein-focused food business