Area Chef Manager

Grow and Thrive Limited; Guildford; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspens Services is a market-leading contract caterer focused on school food, delivering quality meals and memorable food experiences. We are seeking a passionate leader to own the operation, drive profitability, and manage GP with a hands-on approach.

You will lead a kitchen team, oversee menu development, and ensure compliance with health and safety standards while delivering engaging promotions and quality service in a school setting.

Qualifications

• Strong GP management with ability to hit sales targets
• Craft skills using fresh ingredients delivering high-quality meals
• Proven line management experience to coach and develop a team
• Excellent knowledge of health and safety practices
• Full UK driving licence required
• OND/HND is a bonus but practical experience matters most

Responsibilities

• Financial control: manage and improve costs including stock, food and labour
• Lead, coach and inspire the kitchen team to deliver excellence
• Oversee menu development and drive sales via promotions
• Ensure standards, systems and legislation are met through audits

Skills

GP management

Fresh ingredients

Team leadership

Health & safety knowledge

Driving licence

On-the-job experience

Education

OND/HND (bonus)

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Guilford, Leatherhead, Fetcham, Surrey

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.

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!
• 40 hours per week
• 39 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.