Menu & Recipe Development Chef - West Midlands

Our client is a specialist school catering business born in 2009 out of a passion for great tasting food  – They're all about providing fresh, delicious and exciting food that brings a healthy dose of fun to the school day.

Their small, independent, Midlands-based company has a family feel, and focuses on building strong relationships with their teams and clients. This means that their employees, their wellbeing and the opportunities for development and growth within their business is extremely important to them. They reward their teams and recognise their hard work to make sure they feel happy and valued in their role within the company. 

Job Introduction

As Menu & Recipe Development Chef, you will provide an efficient and effective food development strategy focusing on innovation, recipe development, menu development, menu/recipe costing, mobilisations and all food-related activities in line with company standards of service, quality and presentation, whilst complying with legislation and financial targets. This is a technical position requiring online menu, recipe management and costing. 

Main Responsibilities

• To compile company menus to the requirements of the business, with consideration of cost, standards and innovation

• Ensure that all recipes are developed, trialed and tested.

• To identify opportunities for food innovation and devise recipes and prices in accordance with company strategy

• To manage food costs in line with Company budget

• Ensure that consistency is brought across the business with ideas and process

• Provide support for hospitality events and or company showcasing events

• Refreshing the presentation of their food offer throughout the company Staff training events

• To have a responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children you come into contact with 

• To plan, promote and execute theme day development 

• All technical requirements around food cost, food development and inputting into their recipe and menu management online tool

• Online recipe management and menu management

• Working with the nutrition team incorporating allergy reporting and menu creation

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for somebody who shares their passion for serving great tasting food and providing excellent service, maintaining the highest standards at all times, along with the following:

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Excellent communication skills 
• Ability to work under pressure and use own initiative 

• Comfortable using IT and recipe/menu management software.

• Solid financial knowledge, including gross profit and budget management.
• Experience working in a customer-focused environment

Education & Qualifications:

• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent 
• Intermediate Food Hygiene
• Health & Safety at Work
• Food Craft Qualification & Experience

Other Essential Requirements:

• Full UK Driving License
• Clear Enhanced DBS 
• Clean and tidy appearance 
• Flexible working approach to duties and hours
• Attend training courses as and when required
• Commitment to health and safety

Package Description

Firstly, the happiness of their employees is of utmost importance to them, their friendly environment will make you feel supported and part of a family.

This role is:

• Monday to Friday working - no more weekends!
• 40 hours per week
• 52 weeks per year
• £35,000-£45,000 per annum

You will also benefit from:

• Working for a fast-growing company who would like you to grow with them
• A dedicated L&D team to support you in developing your skills including apprenticeships and training courses that are available for everyone.

Please note, our Client expects all staff to share their commitment of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people and an enhanced DBS disclosure will be sought by the company.