Development Chef

Mount Charles Group are one of the largest and privately owned soft Facilities Management, catering and ancillary service/product providers in Ireland. If you are a customer focused individual and want to join a fun and family orientated business which believes people are our greatest asset, then we have a role for you! Our family values speak for themselves:

Do the right thing, Have fun & grow together, Take pride in what you do!

We are currently recruiting for a Development Chef, reporting directly to our COO, to join our team based in Belfast International Airport. This is a great opportunity to join a world leading facilities management company.

Working Pattern: 

• Regular travel across NI and ROI.
• Occasional early starts, evenings, or weekend work for events or menu launches.
• Hands‑on role requiring time in kitchens, at sites, and in development sessions.

Rewards:

• 25 days annual leave (pro rata)
• Public holidays
• Company Pension Scheme
• Employee Assistance Program to support your health & wellbeing
• Financial Education/Financial wellbeing advisory service
• Company Events
• Car allowance

The Role

• Menu Development
• Create innovative, seasonal, and cost‑effective menus suitable for multiple sectors 
• Develop recipe specifications, portion sizes, allergen information, and costings.
• Lead periodic menu refreshes, food trend analysis, and showcase new concepts
• Work closely with site chefs and managers
• Conduct on‑site cooking demonstrations, training sessions, and quality audits.
• Support new site mobilisations and tender presentations
• Troubleshoot operational challenges related to food quality, consistency, or cost control.
• Quality, Standards & Compliance
• Ensure food safety, allergen management, and HACCP compliance
• Uphold brand standards and ensure consistent delivery across all units.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of food legislation
• Supplier & Product Development
• Collaborate with procurement teams on product selection, supplier innovation days, and cost optimisation.
• Evaluate new ingredients, equipment, and culinary technologies that support efficiency and quality.
• Provide coaching and skills development
• Create training materials, guides, and standard operating procedures.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and culinary excellence.
• Client Engagement & Business Development
• Support sales and retention teams with tasting sessions, site visits, proposals, and presentations.
• Build strong relationships with clients by understanding their needs and tailoring culinary solutions to suit.

The Person 

• Proven experience as a Development Chef, Head Chef, or Executive Chef within contract catering or multi‑site environments.
• Strong understanding of food cost control, GP management, and commercial menu planning.
• Ability to lead a team
• Full driving licence.
• Excellent knowledge of HACCP, food safety, allergen legislation 
• Creative, trend‑aware approach to food
• Experience in tender support 
• Familiarity with sustainable and ethical sourcing practices.​​​​​​​

​​​​​​The Mount Charles Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

​​​Due to the number of applicants Mount Charles receives, we only respond to short-listed applicants. If you have not been contacted within six weeks of the closing date, you have not been selected for interview.

Please note, the successful applicant's offer is subject to the Access NI (Enhanced) check prior to commencement of role. The Access NI Code of Practice is available upon request.