33 Research Chef jobs in the United Kingdom

The Company

This is an excellent opportunity to develop your NPD career with a well-established food manufacturer who produce a vast range of innovative products for the UK retailers. They are currently seeking a confident and ambitious Development Technologist to help and support the delivery of their NPD pipeline.

A full UK driving licence is required for this role as you may need to travel to sister sites.

The Role

Reporting into the Development Manager, you’ll be a part of a dedicated NPD team and support the creation of exciting new products that will be launched into the major UK retailers. You’ll also be benchmarking new and existing ranges, ensuring all quality, technical and production needs are met whilst keeping up to date with the latest movements in this fast-moving industry. You’ll also ensure that you manage projects in line with the critical path and commercial targets using recipe management systems to generate all key recipe information and costings.

Part of your role will also include scaling up concept samples in the factories, recording all information as well as producing trial reports to form data-driven conclusions.

With your knowledge of emerging markets and understanding of consumer trends, you’ll help drive innovation and support the team to deliver compelling customer presentations that demonstrate how products will make a real impact in the market place.

The Person

We are looking for an enthusiastic Development Technologist with creative flair coupled with proven experience within food manufacturing. You’ll have worked in a similar fast paced innovations role, where you have gained a strong understanding of NPD processes including technical and quality elements. A good commercial awareness and an eye for up-and-coming food trends is also a must have, and you’ll need great communication, organisation, and presentation skills too.

If you’re a passionate and driven team player looking to apply your creativity and NPD skills, then apply now or call on / to find out more.

Ref: L6903

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Due to the large number of applications our opportunities attract, it sometimes takes us time to thoroughly review and consider them all. We endeavour to respond to every application within 5 working days, however if you have not heard from us within this timeframe, we are sorry to say your application for the role has not been successful. To support you in showcasing your best self, we make sure that any necessary accommodations, whether physical or non-physical, are provided to assist you throughout the job application and interview process.

Also, please note that we are only able to accept and respond to applications from candidates with eligibility to work in the UK and those who hold valid work visas.

At Blue Spark Organisation we believe in authenticity, individuality, and inclusion. We are dedicated to ensuring that all our current and future candidates have equal opportunities and are treated with respect and appreciation, allowing them to bring their genuine selves to the workplace, regardless of background, appearance, sexual orientation, or beliefs.

• Lead the development and formulation of new food products from concept to commercialization, adhering to project timelines and objectives.
• Conduct product trials, pilot plant runs, and scale-up activities, optimizing processes for efficiency and quality.
• Ensure all product development activities comply with food safety regulations, quality standards (e.g., HACCP, BRC), and internal policies.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, marketing, procurement, and operations, to ensure successful product launches.
• Evaluate raw materials and packaging components, ensuring suitability and cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct sensory evaluation and shelf-life studies to guarantee product quality and consumer acceptance.
• Prepare technical documentation, including product specifications, manufacturing instructions, and ingredient statements.
• Stay abreast of emerging food technologies, ingredients, market trends, and competitor activities.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges encountered during the product development process.
• Mentor and guide junior technologists, sharing knowledge and expertise.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, or a related scientific discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in food product development within the FMCG sector.
• Proven expertise in food formulation, processing techniques, and sensory analysis.
• Strong understanding of food safety legislation, quality management systems, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience with scale-up processes and plant trials.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Proficiency in relevant software (e.g., recipe formulation software, Microsoft Office Suite).
• A creative mindset with a keen interest in food innovation and consumer preferences.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of scientific rigor and ethical practice.

The Company

This is an excellent opportunity to join a prominent food manufacturer producing innovative chilled products across a vast range of categories for prestigious customers. Highly ambitious and passionate about good food, they are looking for their next NPD star to help drive new projects.

The Role

In this vibrant innovations-led role you’ll be responsible for the introduction of new product concepts as well as rejuvenating previous products, driving ideas through the creative development process whilst ensuring the end result is commercially viable.

Using your market knowledge, you will work closely with the Development Chefs to highlight new trends which will help to create exciting new interpretations of high-profile customer briefs. Through this you will turn innovative concepts into a profitable reality whilst also expertly update existing ranges to give them a competitive edge.

You’ll take responsibility of the critical path, from kitchen concepts to factory transfers. This will include benchmarking, supporting with product submissions, costings, and recipe management as well as ensuring the translation of recipe methods and assembly are communicated effectively to the process team.

You will also work closely with customers, presenting to them on and offsite, preparing high quality presentations to demonstrate new concepts and product improvements.

The Candidate

This exciting role would be suitable for someone with a Food Science or related qualification, with at least 3 years of experience in manufacturing, preferably in the chilled category. You’ll enjoy presenting new product ideas to customers in order to captivate their interest and drive projects forward.

Creative with a keen interest in food, you’ll excel within a fast-paced business and should be used to working to tight turnaround times efficiently. You’ll also need to have excellent communication, organisation and project management skills along with a passion for food and keeping up with the latest ingredient trends.

So, if you’re looking for the chance to work for an amazing chilled business where you can really apply and develop your creative NPD skills, then apply now or call or for more information.

Ref: L6917

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Due to the large number of applications our opportunities attract, it sometimes takes us time to thoroughly review and consider them all. We endeavour to respond to every application within 5 working days, however if you have not heard from us within this timeframe, we are sorry to say your application for the role has not been successful. To support you in showcasing your best self, we make sure that any necessary accommodations, whether physical or non-physical, are provided to assist you throughout the job application and interview process.

Also, please note that we are only able to accept and respond to applications from candidates with eligibility to work in the UK and those who hold valid work visas.

The Company

This is an excellent opportunity to join a prominent food manufacturer producing innovative chilled products across a vast range of categories for prestigious customers. Highly ambitious and passionate about good food, they are looking for their next NPD star to help drive new projects.

The Role

In this vibrant innovations-led role you’ll be responsible for the introduction of new product concepts as well as rejuvenating previous products, driving ideas through the creative development process whilst ensuring the end result is commercially viable.

Using your market knowledge, you will work closely with the Development Chefs to highlight new trends which will help to create exciting new interpretations of high-profile customer briefs. Through this you will turn innovative concepts into a profitable reality whilst also expertly update existing ranges to give them a competitive edge.

You’ll take responsibility of the critical path, from kitchen concepts to factory transfers. This will include benchmarking, supporting with product submissions, costings, and recipe management as well as ensuring the translation of recipe methods and assembly are communicated effectively to the process team.

You will also work closely with customers, presenting to them on and offsite, preparing high quality presentations to demonstrate new concepts and product improvements.

The Candidate

This exciting role would be suitable for someone with a Food Science or related qualification, with at least 3 years of experience in manufacturing, preferably in the chilled category. You’ll enjoy presenting new product ideas to customers in order to captivate their interest and drive projects forward.

Creative with a keen interest in food, you’ll excel within a fast-paced business and should be used to working to tight turnaround times efficiently. You’ll also need to have excellent communication, organisation and project management skills along with a passion for food and keeping up with the latest ingredient trends.

So, if you’re looking for the chance to work for an amazing chilled business where you can really apply and develop your creative NPD skills, then apply now or call or for more information.

Ref: L6917

--

Due to the large number of applications our opportunities attract, it sometimes takes us time to thoroughly review and consider them all. We endeavour to respond to every application within 5 working days, however if you have not heard from us within this timeframe, we are sorry to say your application for the role has not been successful. To support you in showcasing your best self, we make sure that any necessary accommodations, whether physical or non-physical, are provided to assist you throughout the job application and interview process.

Also, please note that we are only able to accept and respond to applications from candidates with eligibility to work in the UK and those who hold valid work visas.

The Company

This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly regarded chilled food business business that has long been a leader in the food industry. We’re seeking a dynamic and experienced New Product Development Manager lead their small NPD team and help bring fresh, innovative concepts to life.

Please note that this is a site-based role and a UK driving license is essential. You will be traveling to your customers HQ’s frequently.

The Role

Reporting into the Head of Food, you'll take the lead on key NPD projects, acting as the primary contact for all new product development work within your retailer accounts. From the initial concept to final launch, you’ll be right at the heart of the process, seeing your ideas make it onto supermarket shelves for consumers to enjoy. You'll also manage a small team, ensuring they’re developed and supported in order to deliver product excellence.

Working closely with NPD Chefs, Process, Technical and Commercial teams, you'll play a key role in ensuring the products you develop meet customer, consumer, and category objectives. Your strategic vision will also help shape the medium- and long-term development plans, driving continuous improvement and category growth.

The Person

You'll be an experienced NPD professional, with a minimum of 1 year in an NPD Managerial role. You’ll need a strong track record in meat and chilled food categories, as well as extensive experience of working with the UK retailers directly.

You'll be a natural leader, with strong interpersonal and communication skills that allow you to collaborate effectively across departments and with external stakeholders. You’ll be adept at managing teams, ensuring that projects meet deadlines and are executed with precision.

If you have a real passion for food and thrive on the hustle and bustle of a busy environment with lots of customer contact, then this could be the role for you! Apply now or call / for a confidential chat.

Ref: L6898

---

Due to the large number of applications our opportunities attract, it sometimes takes us time to thoroughly review and consider them all. We endeavour to respond to every application within 5 working days, however if you have not heard from us within this timeframe, we are sorry to say your application for the role has not been successful. To support you in showcasing your best self, we make sure that any necessary accommodations, whether physical or non-physical, are provided to assist you throughout the job application and interview process.

Also, please note that we are only able to accept and respond to applications from candidates with eligibility to work in the UK and those who hold valid work visas

• Conceptualize, develop, and test new food products, from benchtop to pilot scale.
• Conduct extensive research into ingredients, processing techniques, and packaging solutions.
• Formulate and optimize product recipes to achieve desired taste, texture, appearance, and nutritional profiles.
• Perform sensory analysis and consumer testing to gather feedback and refine product attributes.
• Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team to ensure product safety and compliance with all relevant regulations.
• Support process engineers in scaling up laboratory formulations to commercial production.
• Prepare detailed product development reports, specifications, and documentation.
• Stay abreast of emerging food science technologies, consumer trends, and competitive product offerings.
• Work cross-functionally with marketing, sales, and operations to ensure successful product launches.
• Troubleshoot and resolve product-related issues during development and production.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in product development within the food industry.
• Strong understanding of food chemistry, microbiology, and processing operations.
• Experience with formulation, recipe development, and ingredient interactions.
• Knowledge of sensory evaluation techniques and consumer insights.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements for food products.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team.
• Proficiency in relevant software, e.g., Microsoft Office Suite.
• A passion for food innovation and a creative mindset.

The Company

This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly regarded chilled food business business that has long been a leader in the food industry. We’re seeking a dynamic and experienced New Product Development Manager lead their small NPD team and help bring fresh, innovative concepts to life.

Please note that this is a site-based role and a UK driving license is essential. You will be traveling to your customers HQ’s frequently.

The Role

Reporting into the Head of Food, you'll take the lead on key NPD projects, acting as the primary contact for all new product development work within your retailer accounts. From the initial concept to final launch, you’ll be right at the heart of the process, seeing your ideas make it onto supermarket shelves for consumers to enjoy. You'll also manage a small team, ensuring they’re developed and supported in order to deliver product excellence.

Working closely with NPD Chefs, Process, Technical and Commercial teams, you'll play a key role in ensuring the products you develop meet customer, consumer, and category objectives. Your strategic vision will also help shape the medium- and long-term development plans, driving continuous improvement and category growth.

The Person

You'll be an experienced NPD professional, with a minimum of 1 year in an NPD Managerial role. You’ll need a strong track record in meat and chilled food categories, as well as extensive experience of working with the UK retailers directly.

You'll be a natural leader, with strong interpersonal and communication skills that allow you to collaborate effectively across departments and with external stakeholders. You’ll be adept at managing teams, ensuring that projects meet deadlines and are executed with precision.

If you have a real passion for food and thrive on the hustle and bustle of a busy environment with lots of customer contact, then this could be the role for you! Apply now or call / for a confidential chat.

Ref: L6898

---

Due to the large number of applications our opportunities attract, it sometimes takes us time to thoroughly review and consider them all. We endeavour to respond to every application within 5 working days, however if you have not heard from us within this timeframe, we are sorry to say your application for the role has not been successful. To support you in showcasing your best self, we make sure that any necessary accommodations, whether physical or non-physical, are provided to assist you throughout the job application and interview process.

Also, please note that we are only able to accept and respond to applications from candidates with eligibility to work in the UK and those who hold valid work visas