Job Description

About Symplicity Foods

Symplicity Foods is a pioneering UK-based plant-based food innovator, founded in 2020 by former steakhouse chef Neil Rankin and restaurateurs Alan and Mark Wogan. Based in London, the business crafts premium fermented vegetable-based meat alternatives--from burgers and sausages to meatballs and ragus--using clean, natural ingredients and traditional fermentation techniques.

Our award-winning products have earned praise from culinary experts and scientists alike, including Michelin-starred chefs such as Tom Kerridge and renowned microbiome specialist Professor Tim Spector.

With transformative partnerships--such as our recent collaboration with meal-kit service Grubby to feature Symplicity's hero range--we're redefining plant-based cuisine as both flavourful and nutritious. SALSA-approved and stocked in premium restaurants and burger chains (including outlets associated with Gordon Ramsay), we're raising the bar for plant-based quality and impact.

The Role

As our Assistant Development & Field Chef, you'll combine creativity, technical skill, and a passion for flavour to help develop and showcase new products in the Symplicity portfolio.

Working closely with, and reporting to, the Head of Product Development, you'll help take ideas from concept to launch and beyond-- experimenting in our development kitchen, trialling fermentation processes, and refining recipes. You'll prepare samples, manage inventory, present dishes to customers, and support at demos and events, showcasing our products with culinary flair.

You'll split your time between our Mission Kitchen development space, Harlesden factory, and off-site venues. The role is generally Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, with occasional evenings or weekends for events, and will involve some UK travel.

Key Responsibilities

Assist in developing, testing, and refining recipes and products to meet project briefs and customer requirements. Research food trends, global cuisines, and techniques to inspire innovation. Support fermentation projects and other specialist culinary processes. Organise & prepare product samples and cook for customer tastings, internal reviews, and industry events. Present dishes confidently to internal teams and external clients. Assist in pilot plant and factory trials to ensure recipes can be scaled up for production. Benchmark products against competitors and review performance in the market. Maintain accurate recipe, ingredient, and process documentation in internal systems. Organise and transport equipment, samples, and ingredients for off-site cooking. Maintain the highest standards of food hygiene and safety across all work environments.

What We're Looking For

Passion for food, a willingness to learn, and a positive attitude. Professional cheffing experience (CDP level or above) or a food-related degree. Experience in product development, or a strong interest in moving into NPD. Proven culinary skills with creativity and attention to detail. Knowledge of world cuisines, cooking techniques, and current/emerging food trends. Confident communicator, comfortable presenting food to colleagues and customers. Organised and adaptable, able to work across development, factory, and event settings. Basic computer literacy for recipe documentation and communication. Flexibility to travel for events and occasional out-of-hours work.

Why Join Symplicity Foods?

You'll be part of a small, passionate team shaping one of the UK's most exciting plant-based food brands--at a time of fast growth, innovation, and industry impact. This is a fantastic opportunity to build your skills in food development, while enjoying a better work-life balance than traditional chef roles. If you want to help shape the future of food, we'd love to hear from you.

Location:

London (split between Nine Elms office, factory in Harlesden, and off-site demos/events)

Hours:

40 hours/week. Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, with occasional evenings or weekends for events.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 28,000.00-32,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Employee discount Private medical insurance
Work Location: In person