Area Support Manager

Aspens Services; Grays; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading contract catering company in the UK seeks an Area Support Manager to oversee school contracts and ensure exceptional food operations. You will build strong client relationships, conduct audits, and lead training efforts to maintain high standards. Candidates should have proven leadership skills in hospitality or catering, keen communication skills, and a passion for service excellence. A competitive salary, car allowance, and benefits including private healthcare await the successful applicant.

Benefits

Private Healthcare

Enhanced Parental Leave

Benefits programme

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in hospitality or contract catering.
• Excellent communication skills for client interactions.
• Ability to train and develop teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a portfolio of school contracts to ensure quality food operations.
• Build strong relationships with clients for retention.
• Conduct regular audits and maintain adherence to standards.
• Implement action plans in cooperation with management.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Team training and development

Client relationship management

Process adherence

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 high‑street 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 our Area Support Manager, you will oversee a portfolio of Primary and Secondary school contracts, leading our kitchen teams to deliver an exceptional food operation that consistently exceeds client expectations. Reporting to the Operations Manager, your success is measured by the quality, consistency, and retention of our business.

Position: 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year. Highly Competitive Salary + car allowance.

Your responsibilities will include

• Client Relationship Management: Build and nurture strong, trusting working relationships with both new and existing clients, delivering exceptional customer service that ensures long‑term retention.
• Business Growth: Play a key part in strategic expansion by supporting the creation and delivery of sales presentations and assisting in smooth new contract mobilisations.
• Training & Development: Ensure all teams are fully trained and compliant, proactively identifying and addressing any training gaps to elevate skills.
• Quality Assurance: Conduct regular unit audits and maintain strict adherence to company systems, procedures, and legislation.
• Strategic Support: Assist the Operations Manager in executing action plans to guarantee a consistently high‑quality, service‑led operation.

About you

You are a proven leader from the hospitality or contract catering sector, ready for a new challenge.

You excel at supporting, coaching, and developing teams, instilling a shared passion for meeting high standards and excellent service levels at all times.

You possess excellent communication skills that allow you to confidently lead client meetings, expertly manage expectations, and quickly overcome challenges.

You are equally service‑focused and process‑led, ensuring standards, procedures, and systems are rigorously followed and maintained.

You thrive working under your own initiative, have excellent computer skills, and possess a relentless desire to learn and achieve.

Why join us?

As one of the UK's fastest‑growing independent businesses, you'll be joining a company where people are at our core.

Career Development

The opportunity to develop your career with us is limitless. We offer fantastic learning and development opportunities and support you in gaining qualifications every step of the way.

Wellbeing Focused

In addition to a competitive salary and car allowance / company car, we prioritise your health. We've just launched our brand new benefits programme, which includes:

• Private Healthcare
• Enhance Parental Leave

Saving schemes and financial benefits

The change to spend your birthday doing something special for you instead of working!

Ready to lead service excellence and become a key player in a high‑growth business?

Apply Today!

Please note, we expect all staff to share our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children / young people so an enhanced DBS disclosure will be sought by the company.