Chef

Grow and Thrive Limited; Lightwater; On-site; GBP 20,664 - 23,419; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Enhanced DBS disclosure

Term-time hours

Apprenticeship & training opportunit…

Job summary

Aspens Services is seeking a passionate Chef for one of our schools in Lightwater, delivering nutritious, engaging menus for students and staff.

You will lead a kitchen team, uphold strict food hygiene and health and safety standards, and ensure outstanding service for education clients. The role offers term-time hours, competitive pay, and opportunities for training and development.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in school catering or education dining.
• Ability to mentor and lead the kitchen team.
• Knowledge of health and safety and allergen controls.
• Ability to deliver tasty, nutritious menus.
• Excellent communication with school clients.

Responsibilities

• Menu excellence: Expert preparation of menus with fresh ingredients.
• Team leadership: Supervising and motivating kitchen staff.
• Safety champion: Ensure strict hygiene and allergen compliance.
• Hospitality: Manage high-quality hospitality requests for events.
• Community building: Develop positive relationships with school and students.

Skills

Menu planning

Team leadership

Food safety

Cooking skills

Self-motivated

Education

Food Hygiene Level 2 & 3

Job description

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

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!

30 hours per week

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

£15.65 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.