Junior Development Chef

Prep Kitchen Ltd; Gravesend; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading meal prep company in Gravesend seeks a Junior Development Chef to support the Head of Food in developing and refining recipes. You will conduct ingredient trials, document processes, and ensure production readiness in an innovative kitchen environment. The ideal candidate has a culinary background and is eager to learn. Join us to help create healthy and delicious meals for our customers.

Benefits

Inclusive work environment

Opportunities for training and development

Qualifications

• Background in culinary arts or food development.
• Experience in commercial kitchen environments.
• Comfortable with batch cooking and portion control.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head of Food with recipe development.
• Conduct process trials on new ingredients.
• Prepare and document trial batches accurately.

Skills

Culinary arts

Cooking across various cuisines

Ingredient understanding

Organisation

Time management

Attention to detail

Tools

Galley

Nutritics

Job description

Junior Development Chef – Prep Kitchen

Join the Prep Kitchen team as a Junior Development Chef. This role supports the Head of Food in developing, testing, and refining new recipes for our evolving menu.

About Us

Prep Kitchen is one of the fastest-growing meal prep companies in the UK, ranked in the Sunday Times Hundred list for two consecutive years – #27 in 2024 and featured again in 2025. We provide convenient, healthy, and delicious meals to customers across the country, focusing on high-quality ingredients, varied menu options, and exceptional customer service.

Job Overview

The Junior Development Chef will work hands‑on in the NPD kitchen, assisting with process trials, ingredient testing, and preparation for product launches. You will also manage recipes and specifications in Galley, ensuring new products are accurately documented and production‑ready.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the Head of Food with the development of new recipes and meal concepts.
• Conduct process trials on new ingredients and components to validate quality, yield, and scalability.
• Prepare and cook trial batches, ensuring consistency and accurate documentation of results.
• Record recipe formulations, quantities, and cooking methods in line with NPD procedures.
• Collaborate with the NPD Coordinator to ensure all recipes are entered and maintained accurately in Galley.
• Support the creation of spec sheets, allergen information, and costing updates.
• Liaise with Operations to hand over new recipes and support first production runs.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and compliant NPD kitchen environment.
• Stay informed on new ingredients, trends, and techniques relevant to Prep Kitchen’s product range.

About You

Essential:

• Background in culinary arts, food development, or commercial kitchen environments.
• Confident cooking across a variety of cuisines and meal styles.
• Strong understanding of ingredients, batch cooking, and portion control.
• Excellent organisation, time management, and attention to detail.
• Comfortable working cross‑functionally between kitchen and office environments.
• Eager to learn food systems and documentation processes (training provided).

Desirable:

• Experience in a meal prep, ready meal, or food manufacturing setting.
• Familiarity with recipe management or specification software (e.g., Galley, Nutritics).
• Knowledge of nutrition, allergens, or macronutrient balancing.
• Food Hygiene Level 2+ certification.

What Success Looks Like

• New recipes and ingredients are trialled efficiently with accurate feedback and data.
• The NPD kitchen runs smoothly with clear documentation and handovers.
• Galley records for new meals are accurate, complete, and production‑ready.
• The Head of Food can focus on strategic development while day‑to‑day trials progress independently.
• Consistent innovation and continuous improvement in meal quality and scalability.

Accommodations

At Prep Kitchen, we’re proud to celebrate the unique qualities each person brings to our workplace. We’re committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and able to thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, as we believe diverse perspectives fuel innovation and drive our success.