Development Chef

Job Summary

We are seeking a skilled and innovative Development Chef to lead and elevate culinary operations across SKVP's expanding Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) estate. This role is central to maintaining the authenticity of our Mumbai street-food menu, developing new products, standardising recipes, and ensuring consistency across all stores. The ideal candidate will bring strong QSR experience, deep knowledge of Indian—specifically Mumbai street-food—cuisine, and the ability to work hands-on in a fast-paced, multi-site environment.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Development & Standards

• Develop, refine, and standardise recipes in line with SKVP's authentic Mumbai street-food identity.
• Create innovative menu items and seasonal products while maintaining operational feasibility across QSR kitchens.
• Oversee food preparation, cooking methods, flavour profiles, and presentation to ensure consistency across all stores.
• Conduct regular taste tests, product trials, and recipe optimisation sessions.

Operational Excellence (QSR Focus)

• Train kitchen team members at all levels on recipes, preparation techniques, equipment use, food safety, and SKVP standards.
• Lead BOH operations during new store openings, providing structured training, setup, and on-site culinary support.
• Develop comprehensive SOPs, cooking guides, training modules, and product manuals.
• Support store teams with troubleshooting, process improvements, and operational queries.
• Ensure efficient BOH workflow, cost control, and consistency in high-volume QSR operations.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with UK food safety regulations and internal hygiene standards.
• Conduct routine kitchen audits to verify adherence to HACCP, sanitation, and food-handling procedures.
• Monitor portioning, stock rotation, wastage, and consistency benchmarks.

Menu, Inventory & Cost Control

• Plan menus aligned with SKVP's brand, customer preferences, and operational capabilities.
• Manage ingredient specifications, sourcing, and supplier coordination.
• Analyse food costs, maintain optimal stock levels, and support budgeting and menu pricing decisions.

Events, Trials & Special Projects

• Support catering events, product launches, trials, and brand collaborations.
• Provide culinary leadership for promotional campaigns and limited-time menu introductions.

Requirements (Essential)

• Must have the legal right to work in the UK.
• Proven experience working in QSR environments.
• Strong background in Mumbai street-food cuisine (e.g., vada pav, pav bhaji, chaats, frankies, currys and South Indian food).
• Experience leading BOH teams, training staff, and managing busy kitchen operations.
• In-depth knowledge of food production, food handling, and kitchen management.
• Strong understanding of food safety, HACCP, and UK hygiene regulations.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced, multi-site environment.

Desirable Skills

• Experience in menu development and culinary innovation in Mumbai Street Food.
• Experience with multi-site brands or centralised production kitchens.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Familiarity with costing, budgeting, and inventory systems.
• Event/catering experience is an advantage.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £32,500.00-£35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company car
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount

Application question(s):

• Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status?

Education:

• Bachelor's (preferred)

Experience:

• QSR: 2 years (required)
• Mumbai Street Food: 2 years (required)
• SOP Development: 2 years (required)
• Staff training: 2 years (required)

Language:

• English (required)

Licence/Certification:

• UK Drivers License (required)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Location:

• Birmingham (required)

Willingness to travel:

• 100% (required)

Work Location: On the road