Inside the role of a Food Development Manager at M&B: Elliott’s story

Inside the role of a Food Development Manager at M&B: Elliott’s story

Sophie Dawson our consultant managing the role
Date posted: 28/04/2025

We’re shining the spotlight on Elliott, one of our brilliant, award-winning Food Development Managers, whose passion and creativity help shape the menus you love — from Stonehouse to Harvester. His career journey is packed with growth, flavour, and fearless innovation — and it might just inspire your own path.

From presenter to food development pro

Elliott’s journey into food product development began long before his official M&B start date. While working at a production company, he regularly presented to our teams, and each visit sparked the same thought: “I’d love to be part of this.” 

When a Food Development Manager role opened up, he knew it was time to make the leap.

Leading menu development across iconic brands

Since joining, Elliott has worked his culinary magic across several brands — including Toby Carvery, Stonehouse, and now Harvester. As a menu development manager, he’s played a major role in modernising offerings with fresh, exciting flavours like Greek gyros and sticky rice bowls.

But it’s not just about food trends. Elliott works closely with marketing, ops, and training teams to make sure every dish is practical, on-brand, and hits the right note with our guests.

Award-winning food innovation

Elliott’s work as a menu innovation manager recently earned him the title of Best Emerging Chef at the MIDAS (Menu Innovation & Development Awards). True to form, he credits the whole Food Development Team: 

“This feels like a team award — I wouldn’t have been recognised without their support.”

Where creativity and collaboration meet

What keeps Elliott inspired? The collaborative, down-to-earth culture at M&B. At the Food Innovation Centre in Walsall, he has the freedom and tools to push creative boundaries and explore what’s next in casual dining.

Why Food Development careers at M&B are full of flavour

Elliott’s journey is a brilliant example of what’s possible in a Food Development career at M&B. Here’s what you’ll find when you join our team:

  • Opportunity to grow: Whether you’re stepping into your first kitchen or moving into food development management, there’s room to evolve.

  • Innovation at the heart: New ideas are welcomed, encouraged, and celebrated.

  • Supportive teams: Collaboration is key — and you’ll never go it alone.

  • Brand variety: With dozens of well-known brands, there’s always something new to get involved in.

Inspired to kickstart your Food Development career?

Whether you're dreaming of becoming a Food Development Manager, passionate about menu creation, or eager to be part of a forward-thinking hospitality group, there’s a place for you at M&B. 

Explore our latest roles and start shaping your own story today.

 

List #1

Some articles you might like

chef making pizza and putting it into an oven
How a part-time chef job can kickstart your culinary career

Teaser

Kitchen

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

04/08/2025

Summary

So, you’ve got a passion for food and an itch to get into the kitchen—but maybe you’re not quite ready to dive into a full-time chef gig just yet. No worries! A part-time chef job could be the pe

Teaser

Find out more
Katie Handy

by

Katie Handy

Katie Handy

by

Katie Handy

image of chef smiling in kitchen
Love Food? Love Pubs? Here’s why you’ll love working in our kitchen at Vintage Inns!

Teaser

Kitchen

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

04/08/2025

Summary

If you’ve got a passion for good food and a love for the buzz of a busy pub, you’re in the right place!  Working in a Vintage Inns kitchen isn’t just about cooking—it’s about being part of a clos

Teaser

Find out more
Laura Kelly

by

Laura Kelly

Laura Kelly

by

Laura Kelly

manager supporting teammates in pub
What mentorship looks like at M&B

Teaser

General

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

03/06/2025

Summary

At M&B, we believe that a successful career isn’t just about the job you do—it’s about the support and development you receive along the way.  We don’t have a one-size-fits-all program for suppor

Teaser

Find out more
Sophie Dawson

by

Sophie Dawson

Sophie Dawson

by

Sophie Dawson

scenic landscape of wales
Why we love working in Wales at M&B – and why St David’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate it

Teaser

General

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

02/27/2025

Summary

As we approach St David’s Day, it’s the perfect time to celebrate all things that make working and living in Wales special, with our team who get to enjoy working and living in this beautiful co

Teaser

Find out more
Katie Handy

by

Katie Handy

Katie Handy

by

Katie Handy

chef handing plates to general manager in a commercial kitchen
From Chef to General Manager: Emma’s unstoppable M&B journey

Teaser

Kitchen

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

02/26/2025

Summary

What makes a company a great place to work? At M&B, we believe it’s a mix of things, like a culture where growth is encouraged and skills are developed.  And if you need proof, look no further than E

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

wait staff serving food to guests at M&B with a smile
New year, new job: how to prepare for a job hunt in hospitality

Teaser

General

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

02/10/2025

Summary

A new year means new opportunities, and what better way to kick things off than with a fresh start in hospitality?  Whether you're looking to dive into the exciting world of bartending, take the

Teaser

Find out more
Sophie Dawson

by

Sophie Dawson

Sophie Dawson

by

Sophie Dawson

two kitchen managers looking at a computer
5 reasons to bring your Kitchen Manager career to M&B

Teaser

Kitchen

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

01/27/2025

Summary

At M&B, we’re passionate about helping our team members grow and reach their full potential. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to progress in your career, we provide plenty of training

Teaser

We’ve got the ingredients to help you prep for a successful Kitchen Manager career, are you ready to get cooking?

Find out more
Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

two chefs smiling at each other in the kitchen
New year, new skills: How to master being a chef in 2025

Teaser

Kitchen

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

01/15/2025

Summary

As we kick off 2025, it’s the perfect time to level up your chef skills and make sure you’re at the top of your game.  Whether you're just starting out in the kitchen, aiming for a more well-roun

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

Rebecca Houseago

by

Rebecca Houseago

chef making pizza
Who are the best chefs in the world? Get inspired to start your own chef journey at M&B

Teaser

Kitchen

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

01/06/2025

Summary

Ever wondered how the world’s best chefs got their start? Spoiler alert: none of them were born holding a Michelin star.  From peeling potatoes in a tiny kitchen to perfecting dishes that wow the

Teaser

Find out more
Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Rebecca Skeet

by

Rebecca Skeet

Image of chefs working together in Browns Brasserie Kitchen
Could you be a chef? The answer might surprise you

Teaser

Kitchen

Content Type

Blog

Publish date

12/20/2024

Summary

A chef job isn’t just for those trained at fancy French cookery schools, or those who have been whipping up pastries since before they could walk. In fact, you could become a chef right now –

Teaser

You could be a chef right now – but do you have what it takes? Let's see if you tick any of the boxes here.

Find out more
Emily Smith

by

Emily Smith

Emily Smith

by

Emily Smith

Jobs

Jobs you might like...

Part Time Chef

Salary

Discussed at venue

Location

Toby Carvery - Maes Knoll, Bristol, BS14 0PF

Departments

Chef

Hours

Part Time

Vacancy Type

Other role

Brand

Toby Carvery

Location

Bristol

Description

No CV to hand? No problem! We've made our application process mobile friendly and removed the need for a CV. Our form takes 2 minutes to complete and tells us all we need about you! As a part time Che

Reference

2443132

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Apply Add to shortlist
Chef

Salary

Discussed at venue

Location

Toby Carvery - Maes Knoll, Bristol, BS14 0PF

Departments

Chef

Hours

Full Time

Vacancy Type

Other role

Brand

Toby Carvery

Location

Bristol

Description

No CV to hand? No problem! We've made our application process mobile friendly and removed the need for a CV. Our form takes 2 minutes to complete and tells us all we need about you! As a Chef at Toby

Reference

2443125

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Apply Add to shortlist
Part Time Chef

Salary

Competitive Salary plus tips, plus overtime

Location

Old White Lion, London, N2 0NW

Departments

Chef

Hours

Part Time

Vacancy Type

Other role

Brand

Castle

Location

London

Description

No CV to hand? No problem! We've made our application process mobile friendly and removed the need for a CV. Our form takes 2 minutes to complete and tells us all we need about you! As a part time Che

Reference

2442970

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Apply Add to shortlist
 

job search