Culinary Development Specialist - Care

Elior Uk; Leicester; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A catering service provider in the United Kingdom is seeking a Culinary Development Specialist to innovate menus that balance taste and health. This field-based role involves collaborating with chefs and marketing teams, leading recipe development, and actively utilizing data for continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will have practical culinary experience, a keen understanding of food trends, and the ability to communicate effectively within cross-functional teams. Flexibility to travel is a must, and a company car will be provided.

Benefits

Free, tasty meals

Flexible working options

Generous holiday allowance

Paid volunteering days

Career development opportunities

Pension schemes and life assurance

Company car or car allowance

Qualifications

• Strong culinary and operational experience with a commercial mindset.
• Confidence working with menu management systems, data and cost models.
• Solid knowledge of allergen, nutrition and food legislation.
• The ability to influence, collaborate and communicate at all levels.
• A curious, proactive approach with a passion for food trends and quality.
• Organised, analytical and comfortable working independently in a field-based role.

Responsibilities

• Leading recipe and menu development across care sectors.
• Optimising ingredients, SKUs and menu margins to support commercial targets.
• Translating food trends, customer insight and site feedback into practical innovation.
• Supporting menu implementation with clear recipes and guidance.
• Working with suppliers on tastings and promotions.
• Using data to mitigate inflation and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Culinary and operational experience

Confidence with menu management systems

Knowledge of food legislation

Ability to influence and communicate

Passion for food trends

Job description

Love food, data and making a real impact?

We’re looking for a Culinary Development Specialist to shape menus that balance great taste with commercial performance, nutrition, and sustainability. Working closely with Development Chefs, Operations, Purchasing and Marketing, you’ll turn insight, trends and feedback into recipes and menus that truly work on the front line.

This is a field-based role and will require the flexibility to travel, company car included!

What you’ll be doing…

• Leading recipe and menu development across care sectors, ensuring cost, compliance and operational feasibility
• Optimising ingredients, SKUs and menu margins to support commercial targets
• Translating food trends, customer insight and site feedback into practical innovation
• Supporting menu implementation with clear recipes, training tools and guidance
• Working with Purchasing, Suppliers and Marketing on tastings, reviews and promotions
• Using data to mitigate inflation, improve compliance and drive continuous improvement

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday | 37.5 hours per week

What can you bring?

• Strong culinary and operational experience with a commercial mindset
• Confidence working with menu management systems, data and cost models
• Solid knowledge of allergen, nutrition and food legislation
• The ability to influence, collaborate and communicate at all levels
• A curious, proactive approach with a passion for food trends and quality
• Organised, analytical and comfortable working independently in a field-based role

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!