Menu & Product Development Lead

Menu Development Lead - Derby - Monday -Friday occasional weekends
3-4 years of experience as a senior Chef De Partie / Sous Chef / Product Development or in a similar role.
Summary & Mission
As our Menu & Product Development Lead, you will be pivotal in evolving and enhancing our menu offering across our estate both in the UK and beyond. Your main duties will involve managing the complete lifecycle of new product development, working closely with suppliers, and translate food trends into relevant and commercially viable product development. Actively contributing towards detailed specifications, methods, and allergens you will effectively communicate product launches across our network demonstrating culinary knowledge, expertise, passion, and flair. Finally, you will plan and execute a seasonal calendar for product launches, ensuring our offerings stay fresh and market-relevant.
Key Responsibilities
Actively lead the end-to-end the menu development process for new food and drink offerings, from conceptualization to launch, with a focus on desserts, brunch, across each of our concepts.
Spend time working within our franchise restaurants to refine existing menu items and develop new menu concepts within the scope of our operation.
Conduct market research to identify trends, competitive dishes, and consumer preferences.
Refine processes and ideas such as plating techniques, mise en place, cooking methods, equipment use, storage and kitchen layout.
Validate potential new product and equipment launches to ensure they fit with customer preferences though trials and analysis of historic data.
Work closely with suppliers to develop and refine products, ensuring they align with Heavenly Desserts' brand and quality standards.
Prepare comprehensive allergen information for all new products, ensuring compliance with regulations and customer safety.
Develop detailed specification guides in collaboration with Learning & Development for our teams to effectively prepare and serve new products in our locations.
Coordinate and execute effective communication strategies for menu launches to ensure a successful rollout across all of our locations.
Develop and maintain a seasonal calendar of menu launches, strategically planning and organizing launches throughout the year to captivate our customers and drive sales.
Present products to internal and external customers, demonstrating culinary knowledge, expertise, passion, and flair, and convert feedback into appropriate action.
Translate food trends into relevant and commercially viable product development.
Collaborate with various departments including operations, marketing, compliance and IT to ensure successful product development and launches.
Provide direction and assistance to cross-functional teams during the product launch process.
Performance Expectations
Successful development and launch of new menu items that meet market demands and company standards.
Effective management of supplier relationships and procurement processes.
Positive feedback from customers and team members regarding new menu items.
Achievement of cost and quality targets in procurement.
Requirements
3-4 years of experience as a senior Chef De Partie / Sous Chef / Product Development or in a similar role.
Experience in branded casual dining or fast food development is beneficial.
Strong culinary skills with a creative approach to menu development, alongside commercial awareness.
Excellent understanding of food safety processes and quality standards.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Strong organizational and communication skills.
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Benefits and Compensation
Monday to Friday (with occasional weekends)!
Competitive salary between £32,000 to £35,000, dependent on experience and location).
Opportunities for professional development and training.

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