Introduction About v2! At V2 Food, we are dedicated to revolutionizing the food industry with our innovative plant-based and performance food solutions. Our flagship brand, v2food, encompasses a range of products designed to delight taste buds while promoting sustainability and accessibility. Additionally, we proudly offer the brands of MACROS and Soulara under the v2 umbrella, each committed to providing delicious and nutritious options for consumers. Our team at v2 is driven by a passion for creating impactful products that resonate with consumers. With a focus on collaboration and creativity, we strive to maximize our online consumer reach and develop brands and products that make a difference. Together, we are working towards our mission of making delicious, sustainable food accessible to all, while contributing to a healthier planet. Description Purpose of Position : At v2food, we build consumer brands in-house from the ground up to develop diverse products on a large scale. Our growing, talented and inquisitive team works collaboratively to maximise our online and retail consumer reach, and to create brands and products with impact and purpose. The Development Chef/ Food Technologist role will oversee the running and maintenance of the R&D test kitchen and play a pivotal role in designing, approving, testing, and continuous improving our ready meal recipes to meet our product development and brand goals and cater to the evolving tastes of the Macros and Soulara consumers. This role is also the key contact responsible for supporting development and implementation of new processes, products and packaging for all v2food products manufactured at Castle Hill. Key Accountabilities: Recipe Ideation and Conceptualisation Develop innovative market-relevant ready-meal concepts and recipes. Stay up to date with emerging food trends and incorporate them into the development of new concepts. Present new concepts and/or product improvements to the internal product review panel. Recipe Testing and Refinement Testing of recipes to ensure they meet quality, taste, and consistency standards. Scale up recipes for efficient ingredient sourcing, utilisation and production at industrial kitchen scale. Prepare and lead sensory panels for internal recipe approval. Iterate on recipes based on feedback from internal stakeholders and consumer testing. Conduct product review and continuous improvement based on operation, production, and customer feedback. Evaluate and recommend ingredient substitutions or alternatives to cost optimise recipes or for supply continuity purposes. Work on Innovation Projects Work closely with our R&D Team and suppliers to innovate across Macros and Soulara meals. Create meals based on internal guidelines and deliver to the requirements of the products briefs from our Marketing teams including cost, nutrition, and shelf life. Work within the timelines and parameters of our R&D process. Labelling and Compliance: Review new ingredients with our dietitian and procurement team. Provide information required to conduct nutritional information of recipes. Collaborate with the quality team regarding allergens, shelf-life and food safety considerations. Liaise with packing team to handover packing configuration of meals. Work with our culinary operations team to ensure meals fit the criteria for our production requirements. Documentation and Reporting: Maintain detailed records of recipe development and product testing processes, including ingredient quantities, preparation methods, yields, and other testing results. Generate regular reports on recipe development progress and outcomes. Document trial objectives and results. Draft new standard operating procedures for new processes, when required. Technical Implementation & optimisation: Lead technical implementation of new and improved products, ingredients, processes, equipment at Castle Hill in collaboration with Operations, R&D and Quality Manage factory trial requirements in collaboration with Operations, R&D & Quality team and ensure ingredients / packaging available and trial objectives and results documented. Support process development and manufacturing of v2 products at Castle Hill for ready meal applications or other in collaboration with v2food Product Development team. Technical support for FMS (Macros and Soulara) to improve ready meal product quality and improve production efficiencies. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with marketing, operations, and quality teams to ensure seamless integration of recipes into product lines. You will be required to work closely with many departments as part of the New Product Development process. Occasionally assist our v2 team with presentation and events when required. Our Values & Behaviours Interntional Experimentation – Focus on facts, not assumptions. Question the status quo and drive improvement. Science for Impact – Give your best effort daily. Overcome challenges and keep improving. Act Like an Owner – Own both wins and mistakes. Learn, grow, and improve. In this Together – Collaborate, involve others, and celebrate success together. Support and seek support when needed. Champions of Change – Adapt, solve problems, and actively drive progress. Flexibility / time on site: This is predominantly an onsite role Skills And Experiences Qualifications & Experience: Culinary certification or similar and/or Degree in Food Science / Technology or similar 3 years of experience in culinary development in industry Strong understanding of current food trends and insights, flavour profiles, and culinary techniques. Excellent communication skills and enjoys working within cross-functional teams. Demonstrated ability to deliver quality outcomes within tight timelines.
