Development Chef – Maternity Cover (15-18 months FTC) To start Spring 2026
McMullen's are a family brewer and pub operator based in Hertford, and we are looking to recruit a Development Chef on an 18-month fixed term contract to join our friendly team. The ideal candidate will be passionate about food, love being in kitchens and have previous experience of the menu development process. We operate seven core menu concepts across the managed estate of 86 pubs, and this role will be key to delivering continuous improvement of the food offering withing these concepts.
Our development kitchen is sited at our head office in Hertford, so the role will be based there a minimum of 2 days a week. Due to the nature of the industry this is not a Monday – Friday role.
Start date to be determined depending on the right candidate.
Key Responsibilities:
- In conjunction with the Head of Food successfully develop menu items that will encourage our guests to spend more and visit more frequently.
- The effective coaching and training of pub teams so that our food offer is served consistently to our agreed standard, at all times and to all customers.
- Maintaining specification and costing sheets so that operators can deliver optimum margins.
- Plan and organise all food / food related training requirements as directed by the Head of Food.
- Deliver food presentations and any associated training to the Retail Operations Team in a timely and professional manner.
- Build and maintain a comprehensive ‘specials’ dish bank for every concept.
- Plan, organise and assist in delivery of food tasting workshops with suppliers.
- Agree food specification requirements and availability of stock with food suppliers for all new / changed menu items.
- Prepare and develop food specification manuals using an appropriate software package.
- Organise the trial and appraisal of all products being considered for inclusion on the company’s menus.
- ·Maintain the HO Training Kitchen to a high level of hygiene and cleanliness that as a minimum meets current legislation and satisfies the McMullen Hygiene Policy
- Organise the trial and appraisal of all catering equipment being considered for use in the Managed House estate.
- Assist in the training of the Kitchen Teams following a pub refurbishment and/or acquisition.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience developing menus across multiple concepts, which deliver both guest satisfaction and margin
- Up to date knowledge of Food Safety Legislation
- Up to date knowledge of ‘on trend’ food items
- A good working knowledge of Excel & Word
- High levels of accuracy, punctuality, and personal hygiene
- Be a role model for the company’s Chefs and Kitchen Manager
- Driving license and own car essential (expenses paid)
Salary and Benefits
- Up to £50k per annum
- Contributory pension scheme
- Life Assurance
- Team discount card of 25% off food and 20% off drinks when you are out with friends and family
- 33 days holiday including bank hols
- Training and development opportunities
- Discretionary bonus and a turkey for Christmas!