Assistant Chef

Grow and Thrive Limited; Colchester; On-site; GBP 24,797,000 - 26,174,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspens Services in Colchester is seeking an Assistant Chef to bring our school menus to life, using fresh ingredients and craft skills to deliver nutritious meals that delight students and staff.

You will follow Food Hygiene standards, maintain safety practices, and provide friendly service during term-time hours. A valid Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate and a UK driving licence are required; training is available.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of education catering and fresh ingredients required.
• Proven craft skills and high-quality food production.
• Understand health and safety practices and hold a Food Hygiene Level 2 certificate.

Responsibilities

• Creative Menu Execution: Preparing provided menus with craft skills.
• Safety Champion: Ensure compliance with hygiene and safety standards.
• Hospitality Production: Deliver high-quality hospitality for clients/events.
• Building Connections: Develop strong relationships with schools and students.
• Service with a Smile: Provide friendly, professional customer service.

Skills

Education catering knowledge

Fresh ingredients experience

Craft food production skills

Health & Safety practices

Food Hygiene Level 2

Driving licence (UK)

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2 Certificate

Education catering knowledge

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Colchester

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 an Assistant Chef in one of our schools, you will be bringing our menus to life - creating healthy, nutritious and delicious food that’s fun for students and staff alike. We’re looking for someone with the originality and drive to focus on the highest quality food and service, making our school meals the absolute best in the area.

Your responsibilities will include:

Creative Menu Execution:Preparing our provided menus using your excellent craft skills.

Safety Champion: Ensuring strict compliance with Food Hygiene, Allergen, and Health & Safety standards.

Hospitality Production: Executing high-quality hospitality requests for clients and special events.

Building Connections: Developing strong relationships with both ourschool clients and the students you serve.

Service with a Smile: Providing a friendly and polite customer service experience for everyone.

About you:

We need someone who shares our deep passion for delivering exceptional food and service to our schools, along with the following skills and experience:

Some knowledge of education catering, and proven experience working with fresh ingredients and excellent craft skills.

Excellent working knowledge of health and safety practices and a Food Hygiene Level 2 Certificate (though we offer further training!)

Full uk driving licence

You’re a self-motivated person who uses your initiative, has a deep desire to learn and loves 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?

£13.71 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.