Development Chef

About the Role 

We’re looking for a hands-on Development Chef to lead on new concept development, along with supporting cross-category NPD and EPD within core PizzaExpress.   

You’ll be an avid foodie, obsessed with flavour, quality and execution, working within a like-minded team. You’ll take ideas from concept through to launch, creating commercially strong, scalable recipes that deliver standout quality in a fast-paced environment. This role plays a key part in building a distinctive, competitive menu that drives customer appeal and brand growth. 

Due to the nature of the role, this position will be based in the kitchen at our Global Innovation Centre in Central London. 

What You’ll Do 

Concept & Recipe Development 

• Lead end-to-end recipe development for new and existing menu items, from concept to launch 

• Create dishes that are innovative, commercially viable and operationally simple 

• Develop recipes for all new concepts and cross-category development within the core brand. 

• Build a pipeline of new ideas to support ongoing menu innovation and seasonal activity 

• Adapt recipes for delivery and to go formats 

Testing & Implementation 

• Own kitchen testing, ensuring recipes are scalable, consistent and cost-effective 

• Support in-market testing and new concept launches through training, content and restaurant visits 

• Produce clear implementation decks to cascade key product to wider Restaurant Support teams  

• Ensure systems and recipe platforms are accurately maintained 

Kitchen & Workflow Ownership 

• Run and manage the test kitchen space day-to-day 

• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organisation and food safety 

• Manage ingredient sourcing, stock levels and supplier coordination 

• Prepare food for internal tastings, stakeholder sessions and external presentations 

Collaboration & Stakeholder Management 

• Work closely with the Food Team, Technical, Finance, Supply Chain, Operations and suppliers to drive quality, cost and simplicity 

• Partner with brand and marketing teams to support product launches and campaigns  

• Build strong external networks to stay ahead of trends and innovation 

• Contribute to the planning and execution of marketing activity across photoshoots and social content 

Innovation & Trends 

• Monitor food trends, competitors and emerging concepts to inform menu development 

• Bring fresh thinking and ideas that elevate the brand and drive category leadership 

• Support the creation of innovative limited-edition products that build cut-through and brand excitement 

 

What You’ll Need 

• Strong experience as a Development Chef or similar within in a fast-paced food brand, ideally with QSR experience  

• Passion for food innovation and quality, with a curious, flavour-led mindset 

• Proven track record of delivering new products from ideation to launch 

• Commercial mindset with the ability to balance creativity, cost and scalability 

• Hands-on approach with confidence working independently in a test kitchen environment 

• Experience managing suppliers and developing strong working relationships 

• Excellent organisation and attention to detail across multiple projects 

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders 

• Flexibility to travel and be based in our development kitchen due to the nature of the role 

• Strong knowledge and experience of Microsoft Office 

Why PizzaExpress? 

At PizzaExpress, we live by our FOCUS (Fun, One Team, Community, Unique & Authentic and Simplicity) values, creating a fun and welcoming environment where everyone works as one team. We care deeply about our communities, celebrate individuality, and stay true to who we are. And we believe in keeping things simple, so every experience is authentic and effortless. 

If you’re invited to interview, please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments so we can support you.