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Junior Development Chef
Prep Kitchen
Source: Headcount Labs · original listing ↗
Job data: Headcount Labs, ODbL 1.0. Job descriptions belong to their employers.
Posted Oct 25
About this role
About Us Prep Kitchen is one of the fastest-growing meal prep companies in the UK, ranked in The Sunday Times Hundred list two years in a row — #27 in 2024 and featured again in 2025 as one of the UK’s top 100 fastest-growing private companies. We provide convenient, healthy, and delicious meals to customers across the country. With a focus on high-quality ingredients, varied menu options, and exceptional customer service, Prep Kitchen has established itself as a trusted brand in the market. We’re also proud to be named one of the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025, a true reflection of the culture and care we build from the inside out. We’re growing fast - but always with purpose, and we’re committed to welcoming the very best into the PK crew: those who bring talent, heart, and the drive to make a real impact. Job Overview/Summary We’re looking for a talented chef who loves food, understands flavour and can really cook. You’ll need a minimum of 2–3 years’ professional kitchen experience and the ability to cook to a consistently high standard across different cuisines. This is a chance to step away from the pressure and unpredictability of restaurant and hotel kitchens and into a calmer, more structured environment, while still cooking every day. You’ll work directly with our Head of Food, supported by a Food Technologist, a Chef Trainer and a Kitchen Assistant, in an established team with a proven track record. You don’t need development kitchen experience. We’re looking for a good chef with the ability, attitude and ambition to become a great development chef. Don’t let the “Junior” title put you off: the salary reflects the opportunity, and we’re open to applicants at different levels of experience. For the right person, there’s a clear path to Senior Development Chef. Main Duties and Responsibilities * Cooking a diverse range of cuisines to a high standard, with a strong palate and a real understanding of flavour, seasoning and balance * Working with the Head of Food to develop new meal concepts that will be enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of customers * Exploring ingredients, cuisines and techniques to create exciting, modern and healthy meals * Batch testing recipes to check quantities, methods, yields and finished results, and spotting ways to improve them * Trialling new ingredients for flavour, texture, quality and practicality * Preparing and plating meals each week for website photography, working with our photography team * Keeping the development kitchen clean, organised and well stocked * Managing your own time, workload and priorities About You * 2–3 years’ minimum experience in a professional kitchen, with strong practical cooking ability * Experience cooking across multiple cuisines and styles * A great palate and a passion for flavour. You taste everything and know how to make a dish better. * Clean, calm and organised, with strong attention to detail * Self-motivated and able to work independently without constant direction * Interested in modern, healthy food and eager to learn * A stable employment history and strong professional references * Level 2 Award in Food Hygiene * Comfortable using a computer for everyday tasks (we’ll train you on our systems) Desirable * A car, or access to reliable transport to get to Southfleet each day * A culinary arts or food science background * Good written and verbal communication skills Accommodations At Prep Kitchen, we celebrate the unique qualities that each individual brings to the workplace. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone feels valued and supported. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, as we believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation and contribute to the success of our team. We are dedicated to providing equal opportunities and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute to our collective growth.