Chef

Grow and Thrive Limited; Hockley; On-site; GBP 18,112 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspens Services, a market-leading school catering provider, is seeking a Chef in one of our schools in Hockley. You will lead the kitchen, design healthy menus and deliver high-quality meals for students and staff during term time.

The role offers Monday to Friday hours, 37.5 per week, 38 weeks per year, with a pay of £12.71 per hour. You will champion safety, food hygiene and team development while building strong relationships with school clients.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a catering environment.
• Excellent knowledge of Health and Safety practices.
• Certification in Food Hygiene Level 2 & 3; further development training available.

Responsibilities

• Menu Excellence: Expert preparation of menus using fresh ingredients.
• Team Leadership: Supervise kitchen team for smooth service and high morale.
• Safety Champion: Ensure compliance with Food Hygiene, Allergen, and Health & Safety regulations.
• Excellent Hospitality: Manage hospitality requests for school clients and events.
• Building Community: Develop strong relationships with school client and students.

Skills

Leadership

Health & Safety

Food Hygiene Level 2/3

Job description

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

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

As a Chef in one of our schools, you will be the culinary leader responsible for crafting and delivering a healthy, nutritious and truly fun menu for students and staff alike. We’re looking for someone with the flair, originality and leadership skills to deliver the highest quality food and service, making our offer the absolute best in the area.

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.

About you

We need a passionate, self-motivated Chef who is ready to mentor a team and raise the bar for school dining.

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!

37.5 hours per week

38 weeks per year - what will you do with all that time off?

£12.71 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.