Job Title: New Product Development Chef
Location: Milton Keynes
Salary: Competitive, depending on experience.
Job Type: Full Time – Permanent.
About Us:
Gosh! is on a plant-fuelled mission to tickle the taste buds of the nation, with our delicious bites, burgers and sausages. We celebrate the flavours that Mother Nature has given us and make all products using natural ingredients only (no additives, no preservatives, no chemicals at all!). Our products are all vegan friendly and free-from allergens, but above all great tasting. We’re an ambitious bunch and our brand purpose is to revolutionise the way the world thinks of plant-based food. We’re determined to get everyone, from vegans to meat lovers, to enjoy Gosh!
We are a rapidly expanding business in one of the most dynamic and fastest growing categories within FMCG. We have a down to earth and entrepreneurial ethos, where we are given the freedom to shape the future of the business. As a result of this growth, we are now seeking a talented individual to fill this newly generated role.
Being a relatively small team still, we are willing to get our hands dirty to achieve our goals. Attributes that we hold in high regard are an ability to get things done quickly, work well as part of a team and fit in with our friendly and supportive culture.
The Role
Reporting to the Head of Category & Innovation, this role will involve working closely with cross functional teams to deliver gold standard products for both the Gosh! brand and own label customers efficiently. A key player in delivering end to end product launches, continuous product improvement and the innovation pipeline.
Key Responsibilities
- Working independently and with other departments whenever required on specific NPD and EPD briefs as agreed by the business to drive innovation.
- Constant awareness of consumer trends and exciting developments in the retail meat free/plant-based space as well as understanding of competition, ingredients, nutrition, allergen considerations
- Organising the benchmarking sessions including competitor shopping, co-ordination of panels, maintaining notes and collating results.
- To ensure that all relevant records and documentation is accurate and accessible.
- To support the procurement and process manager in identifying new ingredients and suppliers that will keep the business ahead of competition
- To organise and ensure product samples are produced to a high standard prior to internal and external product presentations, with relevant documentation
- Work with the process manager to organise and lead factory trials and assist with 1st production with the support of Production and Technical teams.
- To ensure an effective and timely handover of all relevant information to supporting functions as required, including assisting with the costing process.
- Ensuring project plans are being maintained and where activities are not meeting expected deliverables that this is communicated, and risk assessed.
- Document, maintain and communicate the financial impact of recipe changes within the product development process to facilitate cost effective product development
- Attend weekly NPD meetings in order to communicate risks and discuss timelines
- Following the NPD gate process to ensure all launches are successfully delivered to the timescale, cost and quality required.
- Work in close collaboration with the Specification Technologist, to identify any new ingredients or process to support a launch of a new product and to ensure that the nutritional information is available and accurate.
- To support the process manager with sample production / measurements to improve product quality and/or process efficiency and reliability.
- Any other reasonable duties that are required to fulfil the needs of the business.
Person specification
- Formal training as a chef (or a comparable qualification) or a strong New Product Development chef background in the food industry
- FMCG experience in a food production environment essential
- Knowledge of plant based in desirable
- Sound understanding of food labelling and nutrition
- Solid knowledge of raw materials and ingredients
- Creative thinking is essential, to be able to come up with new ideas and product opportunities
- Positive attitude, proactivity and a tenacious character: things in our business can change very quickly, so being comfortable reacting quickly to unexpected opportunities and challenges is super important
Please click on the APPLY button to send your CV and Cover Letter for this role.
Candidates with the experience or relevant job titles of; Development Chef, NPD Chef, NPD Technologist, New Product Development, Restaurant Chef, Breakfast Chef, Experienced Chef, Kitchen Chef, Catering Chef, Chef Assistant, Assistant Chef, will also be considered for this role.
