Product Development Chef

Join to apply for the Product Development Chef role at Age of Power. AAK is proud to be the world's leading producer of specialty vegetable fats. Through our unique co‑development approach we develop and provide value‑adding vegetable oil solutions in close collaboration with our customers, enabling them to achieve long‑lasting business results. By doing so we solve customer‑specific needs across many industries including Bakery, Chocolate & Confectionery, Dairy, Foodservice, Infant Nutrition and Personal Care. Our pioneering spirit and passion for innovation keep us at the cutting edge of our industry and set us apart. It enables our employees to work in a safe and supportive environment where they make a genuine impact. AAK employs more than 3,500 employees globally. With 20 production facilities and customisation plants and sales offices in over 25 countries spanning six continents, we have one of our industry's most diverse global footprints. AAK BD Foods joined AAK International in 2019 as part of the Global Foodservice Group. Now AAK BD Foods is a producer of tailor‑made restaurant quality meal accompaniments and boasts a portfolio of over 3,000 products. With the ethos "Chefs not machines," quality and innovation are at the heart of what they do. With its purpose‑built manufacturing site based in St Leonards on Sea, the company produces solution‑based chilled, ambient, and frozen products in a variety of pack formats for the food service sector. AAK BD Foods are seeking a highly creative and experienced Product Development Chef to drive innovation within our product offering and customer base. The successful candidate will be part of a team responsible for researching, creating, and testing new recipes in line with our factory capabilities and guidelines, ensuring products meet both commercial and customer expectations as well as our technical requirements. Responsibilities Work closely with customers and colleagues within a bespoke manufacturer, research, design, and test new recipes and product ranges. Innovate and refresh existing products to keep them the best they can be or negate cost where appropriate. Work closely with the operations, procurement, technical and commercial teams to ensure new dishes are viable, scalable, and cost‑effective. Take an active interest in food trends, competitor activity, and customer feedback to inform development decisions. Ensure all recipes and products comply with customer brand standards, food safety, and nutritional guidelines. Present products to customers and internal teams. Maintain accurate records and documents within department and company‑wide. Work as part of a team to maintain a good standard of work environment. Skills and Experience Proven experience as a Development Chef, similar senior culinary role. Strong knowledge of current food trends, flavour profiles, and presentation styles. Experience in recipe creation and product launch. Commercial awareness with the ability to balance creativity with profitability. Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail. Strong communication and presentation skills. Understanding of food safety, allergens, and nutritional regulations. Literate, numerate and computer savvy. Qualifications Formal culinary training (NVQ, City & Guilds, or equivalent). Experience in NPD preferably within a relevant manufacturing environment. Willingness to undertake relevant training on Food Safety, HACCP, Allergens, etc. Full driving licence. In Return AAK Offer Free hot drinks. Free parking onsite. On‑site canteen serving hot food. 25 days holidays plus bank holiday. Company pension 3% employee, 5% employer. Life assurance cover. UK healthcare scheme, including gym and lifestyle discounts. Diversity & Inclusion AAK prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, religion, veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law in any aspect of the access to, admission, or treatment of students in its programs and activities, or in employment. Location St Leonards, Hastings Contract Full time Hours 40 hours per week, 08:30–4:45 pm Salary Starting from £30,658.00 per annum #J-18808-Ljbffr