Executive Chef - Research & Development

Crestmead

Do you want a high-flying career working for Australia’s largest ready-made meal manufacturer, servicing diverse industries including aviation and retail?

We are searching for a seasoned culinarian who has mastered the art of developing taste, texture, flavour and scalability for meal products in a commercial setting - to come join our high performance Crestmead team as our full time permanent Executive Chef in R&D.

What does a typical day look like?

As Executive Chef - R&D, you will be responsible for the design and innovation of our products, be an integral part of our Leadership Team developing menu presentations to our customers, and setting all service standards and workflow processes in the Research and Development department. This role will working closely with the Production Supervisors, Operations Manager, Finance team as well as the site General Manager on a daily basis.  

In a nutshell, your main responsibilities are:

• Design and deliver a range of meal products (samples and completed dishes) that match our customer requirements.
• Develop new meal cycle options (updates) for Airline and Non-Airline customers.
• Manage the coordination of Food Presentations to existing and new clients.
• Manage and share customer feedback channels relating to product quality, specifications and variations.
• Lead and guide continuous improvement on existing menus and recipes.
• Understand and adapt the 'creative vision' to cost breakdown and practicality when developing products.
• Manage all documentation and administrative functions timely and accurately.
• Work closely with Purchasing to ensure all stock, ingredients and ordering cycles are maintained efficiently and within budget.
• Manage the rostering and leave requests within your department.
• Lead all daily shift briefings, plan weekly production meetings and integrate key dates such as food presentations and customer updates into monthly calendars. 
• Ensure all equipment and work areas are maintained to strict compliance and the highest of hygiene standards. 
• Advocate and create a safety-first culture and work environment.
• Train and develop your team, communicating and opening opportunities for learning best practices and industry relevant trends.

What do you need to be successful in securing this role?

• Demonstrated success in a similar role.
• Commercial Cookery trade qualifications and tertiary qualifications
• Extensive experience in a wide range of cooking techniques, ideally in large volumes
• Previous experience working with ethnic foods for specialised markets (eg HALAL)
• Practical knowledge and skills in cost control and commercial production budgets
• Supervisory experience in Food Manufacturing
• Use and set up of bulk and industrial scale cooking equipment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and use of all MSO programs
• Excellent time management and organisational skills, ability to work to deadlines
• Ability to build constructive, effective working relationships both internal & external 
• Be passionate about food!

 What’s in it for you?

• Be part of an industry leading team.
• Competitive salary.
• Free onsite parking, daily hot staff meals, and uniforms.
• Career development and progression, coupled with national relocation opportunities.
• 5 weeks paid annual leave with loading.
• Tailored Novated Car Lease option available.
• Discounts at hundreds of retailers, discounted health insurance and wellbeing resources including online exercise classes.

We provide you with training and support to set you up for success in your new role.

About Us:

We are Australia’s leading readymade meal manufacturer, providing full-service large volume catering solutions for a diverse range of customers across aviation, retail, health & aged care, correctional facilities, and international export markets. Based in Crestmead, Queensland, we produce more than 240 million meals every year.

Sister brand of dnata catering & retail, together we deliver extensive service capabilities across inflight catering and retail, food manufacturing, and airport lounge management.

Parent company dnata – part of the Emirates Group – is one of the world’s largest air services providers. Offering ground handling, cargo, travel, and inflight catering and retail services, dnata ensures the aviation industry operates smoothly and efficiently.

Want to know more about snapfresh? Visit our website https://shop.snapfresh.com.au/

Does this role sound perfect for you? If so, we want to hear from you!

To start the journey of joining our corporate team, click the link below and upload your resume and a cover letter that outlines your suitability for the role.

http://dnatacatering.expr3ss.com/home