Area Chef

Aspens Services Ltd.; Hitchin; Remote; GBP 13,000 - 15,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

School-term schedule

Term-time hours

Term-time work locations

Job summary

Aspens Services Ltd. is seeking an Area Chef to lead school kitchen teams across the Hitchin area, delivering healthy, tasty menus that engage students and staff.

You will travel between schools with a full UK driving licence, manage menus, lead kitchen staff, and ensure Food Hygiene and safety compliance in education catering.

This permanent role offers term-time hours, 25 hours per week over 38 weeks per year, with a pay rate of £14–£15.50 per hour.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a catering environment with fresh ingredients.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety practices and Food Hygiene Level 2 & 3 certification.
• Full UK driving licence to travel between schools.

Responsibilities

• Menu Excellence: expert preparation of menus using fresh ingredients.
• Team Leadership: supervise and motivate kitchen team for smooth service.
• Safety Champion: ensure compliance with Food Hygiene, Allergen and Health and Safety regs.
• Building Community: develop strong relationships with school clients and students.

Skills

Team leadership

Self-motivated

Initiative

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2 & 3

Job description

# Area Chef## Job Introduction**About us:**Aspens Services is a market-leading contract caterer specialising in school food. We don't just serve meals—we create fantastic food experiences that fuel young minds! By blending deep knowledge of the education sector with the latest food trends, we encourage creativity and excitement in every kitchen.Our commitment to quality care for both clients and children has fueled rapid growth, and we are looking for passionate people like you to join our journey.**The role**As an Area Chefs, you will be the culinary leader responsible for crafting and delivering a healthy, nutritious and truly fun menu for students and staff alike. We’re looking for someone with the flair, originality and leadership skills to deliver the highest quality food and service to the schools within your area, making our offer the absolute best.***Please note: This position requires a full UK driving licence to enable you to travel between schools.*****Your responsibilities will include:*** **Menu Excellence:**Expert preparation of our menus using excellent craft skills and fresh ingredients.* **Team Leadership:** Supervising and motivating your kitchen team to ensure smooth service and high morale.* **Safety Champion:**Ensuring strict compliance with all Food Hygiene, Allergen, and Health and Safety regulations.* **Excellent Hospitality:** Managing and producing high-quality hospitality requests for school clients and special events.* **Building Community:** Developing strong, friendly relationships with both the school client and the students you serve.**About you:**We need a passionate, self-motivated Chef who is ready to mentor a team and raise the bar for school dining.* A full UK driving licence to enable you to travel between schools* Proven experience in a catering environment, focusing on using fresh ingredients, ideally with knowledge of education catering.* Excellent knowledge of Health and Safety practices and certification in Food Hygiene level 2 & 3 (further development training is available)* You’re self-motivated, take initiative, and have a passion for learning and achieving goals while effectively motivating others.**Why Join the Aspens Family?****Great Work-Life Balance:**You’ll work Monday to Friday during school term time - that means no late nights, no weekends and no working at Christmas!* 25 hours per week* 38 weeks per year - what will you do with all that time off?* £14 - £15.50 per hour**Career Growth and Development:*** Join a fast-growing, ambitious company. We have no ceiling in terms of where you can take your career in catering.* Benefit from a dedicated Learning & Development team offering apprenticeship and training courses to help you constantly develop your skills.**Ready to start a rewarding career with amazing hours? Apply today!***Please note: All staff must share our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people. The company will seek an enhanced DBS disclosure.*Apply### Area Chef* **Salary** 14 - 15.50* Hourly* **Job Reference** JGT/TP/76/9852* **Contract Type** Permanent* **Closing Date** 15 November, 2026* **Job Category** Unit Level* **Business Unit** Aspens Services Ltd* **Location** Hitchin and surrounding area, United Kingdom* 16 October, 2026