About us
We are a proud New Zealand Co-operative built by generations of farming whanau. We believe nutritious food is essential to sustain people today, and for future generations to thrive, which is why we challenge ourselves to find new ways to bring our dairy goodness to people around the world.
At the Fonterra Research and Development Centre in Palmerston North, we know the smallest things can make a difference, so we research and develop products that delight our customers and consumers. Bringing together world class dairy products and the deep expertise of our people we work alongside - the passionate, talented and innovative food professionals who are driving innovation in the dairy industry.
About the opportunity
As casual Research Chef, reporting to the Capability Manager Dairy Foods, you will create, develop and test innovative and new recipes. You will work on exciting research projects from concept stage through to commercialisation with guidance from in-market chefs.
Based on market trends and insights, you will be required to formulate, develop and test new recipes and products for evaluation by customers and consumers. Your creative ability to develop prototypes with dairy products as base ingredients will help develop attractive new value propositions for our consumer, ingredient and food service business.
Key responsibilities include:
Develop experimental recipes and production techniques and specifications with guidance from in-market chefs
Assist in developing specifications for both raw material and finished products processing techniques for recipe testing
Evaluate existing formulas and processes, identify cost savings and product improvement opportunities and recommend solutions
Develop cooking instructions or other product documentation according to established guidelines and procedures
Assist with sensory testing by preparing ingredients or finished goods according to instructions and assist in the documentation of results
Working as a conduit between in-market chefs, category marketing team and researchers in developing new products and applications
A large part of this role will focus on recipe development – gathering insights from local and global trends to come up with new products and ideas. You will relish the opportunity to host and interact customer visits on site and come up with interesting concepts that will increase consumer demand.
About you
We are looking for an experienced chef, ideally with expertise as a pastry chef and recipe development. You will have solid experience running a kitchen with an in-depth understanding of commercials and efficiencies.
Given the global focus of this role, you must have excellent communication skills, with the ability to gel with people of all backgrounds and cultures. Your genuine passion for menu ideation and delving into the requirements of different markets will see you go far!
We are looking for some flexibility in this role and you will be expected to work up to 2 weeks every month.
Skills and Experience:
Ability to operate and calibrate R&D kitchen equipment and undertake taste-testing
Product and recipe development expertise ideally with specific knowledge of cheese, cream cheese, butter, UHT cream and related products
Experience with prototype development and commercial food production
Be creative, innovative and ground-breaking in regard to recipe innovation and development
Our Story
Whanaungatanga, our Co-operative spirit gives us all a common strength and purpose. Manaakitanga is how we care for all our people who are at the heart of what we do, we want our farmers, employees, customers and communities to thrive. Kaitiakitanga, ensures we take care of the land. We are committed to farming in a way that regenerates our farms and environment for future generations.
Whakaohooho constantly inspires ourselves and each other with great career development opportunities and benefits. We enable flexibility and balance to suit everyone’s lifestyles and choices.
Our Co-operative is a place where everyone can be themselves, feel empowered to do their best.
