Innovation Development Chef

Job Title: Food Innovation Chef
Location: Newry
Salary: £45,000 

The Opportunity

An established food manufacturer is seeking a Food Innovation Chef to drive its Food on the Move product development strategy. Reporting to the Head of Food Innovation & Development, you’ll lead the creation of new, market-relevant products from concept to launch—delivering on time, on budget, and to exceptional quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Product Development: Translate product briefs into commercially viable recipes, balancing ingredient quality, cost, and production constraints.

• Innovation & Improvement: Initiate new product (NPD) and existing product (EPD) projects, continually challenging and refining product quality.

• Collaboration: Work closely with the wider NPD team through the stage-gate process, sharing concept snapshots early to pre-empt issues.

• Costing & Sampling: Create initial costings and manage sample preparation and documentation for customer presentations.

• Training & Trials: Train production staff to Quality Attribute Standards (QAS) and oversee production trials to sign off mixes and assembly.

• Ingredient & Packaging Sourcing: Identify unique, high-quality ingredients and packaging solutions that elevate both product visuals and eating experience.

• Customer Engagement: Present concepts to key accounts, represent the business at trade shows and customer visits, and ensure the on-site food truck showcases the brand at its best.

• Market Awareness: Monitor consumer trends and emerging concepts to keep the product portfolio ahead of the curve.

• Team Leadership: Manage the day-to-day operations of the development kitchen and guide the development team.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Strong passion for food and a keen eye on consumer and market trends.

• Proven track record in product development, from brief to launch, within budget.

• Well-connected within the food industry, with the ability to leverage networks for projects.

• Problem-solving mindset and “can-do” attitude.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills; confident in customer-facing situations.

• Analytical ability to turn data and insight into winning concepts.

• Proficiency with MS Office (including PowerPoint) and relevant development or costing software.