R&D Development Chef Job London – Michelin Background – Fixed-Term Contract
Maison Gastronomique is currently recruiting for an exceptional R&D Development Chef in London to support the launch of an ambitious new hospitality brand.
This is a highly specialist fixed-term contract for a chef with significant experience in an innovative 2 or 3 Michelin-star kitchen, alongside proven culinary research, menu development, sensory analysis and product development expertise.
This position is designed for an exceptional individual capable of combining elite restaurant experience with a structured and scientific approach to flavour, ingredients and product creation.
R&D Development Chef Role Overview
The successful R&D Development Chef will play a key role in developing the culinary identity, flavour systems and product standards for a major new London brand launch.
This is not a traditional operational chef position.
The role will focus on research, testing, sensory evaluation, flavour development, recipe standardisation and the translation of high-level culinary ideas into consistent, repeatable products and processes.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead culinary research and development projects
• Create and refine new dishes, products and flavour profiles
• Conduct structured sensory and flavour analysis
• Test ingredients, techniques and cooking processes
• Develop recipes that can be repeated consistently at scale
• Document recipes, methods, technical specifications and findings
• Support menu engineering and product standardisation
• Work collaboratively with senior culinary, operational and commercial teams
• Maintain exceptional standards of precision throughout the development process
• Contribute to the successful launch of a major new hospitality concept
Essential Experience
Applicants must demonstrate:
• Significant tenure within an innovative 2 or 3 Michelin-star kitchen
• Proven experience in culinary research, menu development or product development
• Exceptional technical ability and ingredient knowledge
• Experience conducting structured sensory and flavour work
• A scientific and analytical approach to recipe development
• Strong documentation and communication skills
• The ability to translate creative ideas into consistent, scalable products
• Outstanding attention to detail
Candidate Profile
This role would suit a Development Chef, R&D Chef, Senior Sous Chef, Head Chef or former Michelin-level restaurant chef who has moved into culinary innovation and development.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate both elite restaurant experience and genuine development expertise.
This is a highly selective position. Candidates who do not meet the Michelin-star and development criteria will not be considered.
Contract and Location
• Fixed-term contract
• London-based
• Major new brand launch
• Highly innovative culinary project
• Opportunity to shape a concept from the development stage
Why Apply?
This is a rare opportunity to apply world-class restaurant experience to an ambitious new brand launch.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to influence the culinary direction, flavour architecture and technical standards of the concept from its earliest stages.
Maison Gastronomique is a specialist chef recruitment agency supporting leading restaurants, hospitality groups and culinary businesses across London and the UK.
Apply Now
Please send your latest CV alongside a brief summary of your R&D, sensory and culinary development experience to:
Please note, due to the specialist nature of this role, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
