Area Cook

Grow and Thrive Limited; Hempstalls; On-site; GBP 17,523 - 23,707; Full time

Job summary

Aspens Services is seeking a passionate Cook to lead a school kitchen, developing menus with fresh ingredients and mentoring a team across multiple sites.

The role requires a full UK driving licence to travel between schools, strong Health & Safety knowledge, and experience in education catering. Enjoy a structured schedule with classroom-term hours and development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Passionate, self-motivated Cook who can mentor a team and raise the bar for school dining
• Full UK driving licence to travel between schools
• Proven experience in a catering environment focusing on 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 available)
• Self-motivated, takes initiative, and passionate about learning and achieving goals while motivating others

Responsibilities

• Menu Excellence: Expert preparation of menus using excellent craft skills and fresh ingredients
• Team Leadership: Supervising and motivating kitchen team for smooth service and high morale
• Safety Champion: Ensuring strict compliance with 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 school client and students

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Warrington, Crewe, Stoke, Stafford, South Manchester.

Warrington, Crewe, Stoke, Stafford, South Manchester.

Closing Date:

27/08/2026

Job Category:

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.

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.

Please note: This position requires a full UK driving licence to enable you to travel between schools.

About you:

• We need a passionate, self-motivated Cook 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 week
• 38 weeks per year - what will you do with all that time off?
• £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.

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.