Culinary Development Manager – Concessions & Concepts

Elior Uk; Wolverhampton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in Wolverhampton is seeking a Culinary Development Manager to drive innovative food concepts and menu development. This field-based role involves close collaboration with sector chefs and operations, ensuring high-quality food delivery that aligns with customer preferences. Ideal candidates will have a strong culinary background and commercial acumen. Competitive perks include flexible work arrangements and generous holiday allowances.

Benefits

Free, tasty meals

Flexible working

Generous holiday allowance

Paid volunteering days

Career development opportunities

Pension schemes

Company car or car allowance

Qualifications

• Proven track record in menu or concept development.
• Knowledge of food legislation, allergens, and calorie labeling.
• Confidence influencing and collaborating with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead recipe and concept development for all sectors.
• Support concessions sector with recipe and menu development.
• Partner with chefs, operations, marketing to deliver great food.

Skills

Culinary experience

Operational experience

Commercial mindset

Creativity

Strong communication

Job description

Culinary Development Manager – Concessions & Concepts

Are you passionate about turning food trends, insight and creativity into menus that really perform? We’re looking for a Culinary Development Manager to shape and deliver exciting, commercially strong food concepts that customers love and operators can execute brilliantly.

This is a hands‑on, field‑based role where innovation meets operational reality — and no two days are the same.

What you’ll be doing…

• Leading recipe and concept development to rollout across all sectors
• Supporting concessions sector with recipe and menu development
• Turning food trends, customer insight and market data into compelling, scalable menu propositions
• Partnering closely with sector chefs, operations, marketing and purchasing to deliver great food — on time and on budget
• Testing, refining and launching recipes that balance taste, cost, nutrition and operational ease
• Supporting sites with training, mobilisation and menu launches, spending time where it matters most — in the field
• Driving continuous improvement through feedback, data and a strong commercial lens
• Leading recipe and concept development to rollout across all sectors
• Supporting concessions sector with recipe and menu development

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday | 37.5 hours per week

What can you bring?

• Strong culinary and operational experience, with a proven track record in menu or concept development
• A sharp commercial mindset — confident working with costings, margins, SKUs and sales data
• Knowledge of food legislation, allergens and calorie labelling, with quality and compliance front of mind
• Confidence influencing and collaborating with stakeholders at all levels
• Curiosity, creativity and a passion for food trends, innovation and great customer experiences
• A proactive, organised approach and the ability to turn ideas into action

A full and detailed job description will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

Brilliant Work Deserves Brilliant Perks!

At Elior, we believe that when you love where you work, it shows. That’s why we make sure our team feels appreciated, supported, and set up for success! Here’s what’s waiting for you:

• Free, tasty meals – Enjoy tasty, nutritious food on us while you work!
• Flexible working – including part time roles, because life doesn’t run on a 9-5 schedule.
• Plenty of Time to Unwind – generous holiday allowance of 33 days, with the option to buy more.
• Leave for life’s important moments – whether family, personal or unexpected.
• Give back time – paid volunteering days for the causes you care about.
• Room to grow – career development and learning opportunities for all stages of your career.
• Financial security – pension schemes and life assurance.
• Drive in Style – Enjoy a company car or car allowance

One small thing— we welcome you to apply using the name you feel most comfortable with! No need for legal names at this stage.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

We’re a people-first business with over 10,000 colleagues across the UK, serving everything from stadiums to hospitals, schools to workplaces. Our mission? To enrich lives everywhere, every day.

And here’s the best part - 87% of our team say they’re proud to work here! Why? Because we create a place where you’re listened to, trusted, supported, and valued.

Not sure you match every single requirement? Apply anyway! Research shows that many people - especially women and those from underrepresented backgrounds - hold back unless they meet 100% of the criteria. But we hire for potential, not just experience. If you’re passionate and ready to grow, we want to hear from you!

We Celebrate You!

At Elior, diversity and inclusion aren’t just policies, they’re who we are. We know that different perspectives make us stronger, and we’re dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered to succeed.

Need any support or adjustments during the application process? Just let us know - we’re happy to help!

Ready to join us? Hit ‘Apply Now’ and let’s chat!