Area Chef Manager

Grow and Thrive Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspens Services is a leading school catering provider seeking an Area Chef Manager to take full operational and financial responsibility for multiple school kitchens in the region. You will drive quality, profitability and customer satisfaction while leading a team to deliver outstanding meals.

The role emphasizes GP management, menu development, staff leadership, and strict adherence to health and safety standards. A full UK driving licence is required and DBS checks may be necessary.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of GP management and ability to hit sales targets.
• Craft skills with fresh ingredients and high-quality cooking.
• Experience in line management and team development.
• Knowledge of health and safety practices.
• Full UK driving license.

Responsibilities

• Financial control: managing stock, food and labour costs.
• Lead, coach, train and inspire kitchen team to deliver excellence.
• Oversee menu development and drive sales through promotions and events.
• Ensure standards, systems and essential legislation are met through audits and proactive management.

Skills

GP management

Line management

Food quality

Health and safety

Education

OND/HND

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - London / South East

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:

We’re seeking an ambitious Area Chef Manager, ready to take full operational and financial responsibility for the catering facility of the schools within your region! This role goes beyond the kitchen - it requires a visionary leader with the flair and originality to consistently deliver the highest quality food and service, elevating the dining experience and establishing this as one of the best school catering offers in the region!

Your responsibilities will include:

Financial Control: Managing and improving all controllable costs, including stock, food and labour.

Team Leadership: Lead, coach, train and inspire your kitchen team to deliver excellence every day.

Culinary Innovation:Oversee menu development and drive sales through exciting monthly promotions and added-value events.

Quality Assurance:Guarantee all standards, systems and essential legislation are met through regular audits and proactive management.

About you:

We’re looking for a passionate leader who is ready to drive excellence and profitability. If you’re hungry for a role where you can fully own the operation, you’ll need:

A strong understanding of Gross Profit (GP) management and the strategic know-how to smash sales targets.

You have fantastic craft skills with a genuine commitment to using fresh ingredients to deliver exceptional quality food.

Motivational Leader:Proven experience in line management—you know how to coach, motivate, and inspire to develop a high-performing team.

Excellent knowledge of health and safety practices.

A full UK driving licence

A qualification like OND/HND is a bonus, but your on-the-job experience is what we’re truly after

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 week

40 weeks per year - what will you do with all that time off?

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.