Senior Development Chef

Senior Development Chef Monday-Friday, 8:00am – 5:30pm (Cranswick Country Foods, Preston HU12 8TB) Cranswick is a leading UK food producer with revenues approaching 2.9 billion, supplying premium food to major UK retailers, foodservice and global customers.We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Development Chef at our Preston site near Hull (HU12 8TB). Reporting to the NPD Controller, you will lead Fresh Pork culinary innovation, develop products from concept to launch, and manage an NPD Chef.You will ensure products meet customer and Cranswick expectations, technical and operational requirements, and critical timelines for a successful cross-functional launch.Main duties include (but not limited to): Lead and communicate the Fresh Pork culinary innovation plan, developing a proactive pipeline aligned with consumer trends, category opportunities and business strategy.Act as the site’s culinary lead, bringing expertise in food trends, flavour development and product innovation.Monitor restaurants, retail, social media, competitor activity and consumer behaviour to identify emerging trends and commercially viable product opportunities.Lead the development of innovative new and existing products from concept through to launch.Deliver innovation sessions, food safaris, supplier showcases and inspiring product presentations for customers and internal stakeholders.Work collaboratively with customers, suppliers and cross-functional teams to shape briefs and deliver commercially successful products.Build strategic supplier relationships and identify new ingredients, materials and culinary techniques that support innovation.Lead, coach and develop the NPD Chef, setting clear priorities and encouraging best practice across the wider NPD team.Ensure developments meet customer, commercial, nutritional, technical, operational, food safety and business requirements.What We Look For:Significant Development Chef experience in food manufacturing/product development, with successful food innovation and product launches (Essential).Strong food trend, consumer insight and flavour knowledge, with a passion for food, innovation and exceptional eating experiences (Essential).Customer presentation and innovation workshop leadership, with credible communication and influencing skills at all business levels (Essential).Commercial awareness, strong organisation and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities across NPD processes and factory implementation (Essential).Coaching, mentoring or people-management experience, plus a Level 3+ Food Safety qualification (Desirable).Full UK driving licence (Essential).What We Look For:Competitive salary – to be discussed at application / interview stageJob stability at a growing and expanding companyCommitment to progression and development through internal and externally accredited trainingCompany pension scheme with enhanced contributions - matched up to 10%Participation in our Share Save Scheme, offering discounted company share purchases28 days annual leave entitlement (inclusive of bank holidays)New canteen providing fresh breakfast and lunch optionsMembership discounts at high street stores and supermarkets through our discount portalA full job description is available upon request. Salary to be discussed at interview stage.Please apply on Indeed or submit your covering letter and CV to: [email protected]Closing Date: 13th November 2026Please note that if a suitable candidate is found, this closing date may be brought forward.If you are an internal applicant, please ensure you have made your line manager aware before applying and confirm this when submitting your application.