Area Chef

Aspens Services Ltd; Preston; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Term-time schedule

Competitive hourly rate

Job summary

Aspens Services Ltd. is seeking an Area Chef to lead the kitchen teams across our schools, delivering nutritious menus and exceptional service. You will travel between sites, mentoring staff and maintaining food safety standards.

The role requires a full UK driving licence, extensive catering experience with fresh ingredients, and knowledge of health and safety. DBS disclosure will be sought as part of safeguarding commitments.

Qualifications

• Full UK driving licence to travel between schools.
• Proven catering experience focusing on fresh ingredients.
• Knowledge of education catering preferred.
• Certification in Health and Safety.

Responsibilities

• Prepare menus with fresh ingredients.
• Lead and motivate kitchen team to ensure smooth service.
• Ensure compliance with food hygiene and allergen regulations.
• Manage hospitality requests for school clients and events.
• Build strong relationships with schools and students.

Skills

Team Leadership

Food Hygiene knowledge

Health and Safety awareness

Mentoring

Driving licence

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2

Food Hygiene Level 3

Job description

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 Chef in one of our schools, 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:

• 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!35 hours per week38 weeks per year - what will you do with all that time off?£16 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.

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.