Working day - Chef Experience Three
"I was told when I came for my first interview for a Development Chef position within the chilled ready meals sector, that the transition from a conventional kitchen to NPD ( New Product Development ) would be a " steep learning curve " and this is very true. However, the knowledge and experience I have gained within NPD has been invaluable and looking back at my first year within this industry it has proved to be the best move of my career. It does feel like starting your catering career all over again as you are using new ingredients, new cooking methods and procedures. There are many challenges and obstacles to overcome along the way, but with excellent management, thorough training and drawing on previous knowledge and experience, you rise to the challenges that lay ahead. By increasing your knowledge through project ownership throughout the product concept stage to final launch process you learn from your mistakes and in turn grow in confidence. You will work with suppliers sourcing new materials and improving on existing ingredients. You will work alongside process, purchasing, technical and commercial teams as well, plus developing your own ranges within your own team made up of great chefs with excellent backgrounds.
We draw our innovation from current food trends which means keeping up to date with what's happening within our industry, also constant "benchmarking" assessing our competitors' products to ensure we keep one step ahead at all times. All in all I have found this industry gives me the constant challenges that I need within a role, you are consistently learning everyday and you have a great work life balance."