Junior Development Chef (NPD)

Step out of the kitchen… but keep doing what you love.

Fancy using your Chef skills in a different way?

Less late nights, more creativity, and the chance to work directly with customers developing new food ideas.

We’re looking for a hands-on chef who’s ready for something new - someone who still loves cooking but wants to take that next step into product development.

What’s in it for you?

• up to £35,000 basic salary
• Annual team bonus
• Company car
• A proper career path outside of the kitchen
• Work with big customers, new food ideas, and real innovation

What you’ll be doing

This isn’t a desk job - you’ll still be cooking, tasting, and creating every day.

• Supporting the Development Chef to create new products from scratch
• Cooking and prepping samples for customer meetings and food shows
• Attend frequent customer exhibitions and showcase our brand at every opportunity
• Getting in front of customers and showing what you can do
• Working with different teams (technical, production, sales) to bring ideas to life
• Helping turn ideas into real, scalable recipes
• Being part of tastings, food trends, and new concept ideas
• Must be prepared to travel and overnight stays

What we’re looking for

• A Chef with 2 to 3 years kitchen experience
• Someone who’s ready to move on from service but still loves food
• Confident personality - happy to talk to people and present ideas
• Willing to learn (you don’t need NPD experience - we’ll teach you)
• Organised, reliable, and takes pride in what they produce
• Full UK driving license

Why this role works for chefs

• No more split shifts or constant weekends
• Still cooking—but with more creativity and less pressure
• A chance to build a long-term career in food, not just kitchens
• You’ll learn a completely new side of the industry

About Middleton Food Products

We are a family owned and operated business proudly manufacturing food products in the heart of the UK.

One of the UK’s leading manufacturers of food service and bakery pre-mixes, providing branded and bespoke products into the largest National suppliers, restaurants, pub chains, educational authorities, and contract caterers.