Catering Manager

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

Job summary

A leading contract catering firm in Greenhithe is seeking a passionate Catering Manager to oversee the school's catering operations. This role includes managing financial aspects, leading a kitchen team, and ensuring high-quality food and service. Working Monday to Friday during term time provides a great work-life balance with 36.25 hours per week. Join a fast-growing company with opportunities for career growth and development, while enjoying no late nights or weekend shifts!

Benefits

Career development opportunities

No late nights or weekends

36.25 hours per week

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of financial control and maximizing sales targets.
• Exceptional craft skills ensuring quality using fresh ingredients.
• Proven experience in leading and developing kitchen teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage and improve controllable costs including stock and labor.
• Lead and inspire the kitchen team to deliver excellence.
• Oversee menu development and drive sales through promotions.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards through audits.

Skills

Gross Profit management

Craft skills with fresh ingredients

Line management

Health and safety practices knowledge

Education

OND/HND or equivalent experience

Job description

Summary

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.

The role:

We're seeking an ambitious Catering Manager, ready to take full operational and financial responsibility for your school's catering facility! 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:

• A strong understanding of Gross Profit (GP) management and the strategic know-how to smash sales targets.
• Fantastic craft skills with a genuine commitment to using fresh ingredients to deliver exceptional quality food.
• 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 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!

• 36.25 hours per week
• 39 weeks per year - what will you do with all that time off?
• £15 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.

Ready to start a rewarding career with amazing hours? Apply today!

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.