Chef Manager

Aspens Services Ltd; Bristol; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading contract catering company in the UK is seeking a Chef Manager to oversee operations at a school catering facility. You'll be responsible for delivering high-quality food and service, managing costs, and developing a committed kitchen team. Ideal candidates will have craft-based experience with fresh ingredients and knowledge of health and safety practices. The role offers 40 hours a week, with competitive pay and a supportive environment for career growth.

Benefits

Competitive hourly pay

Dedicated L&D team for skill development

No working at Christmas

Qualifications

• Craft-based experience with fresh ingredients.
• Understanding health and safety practices.
• Financial acumen in managing gross profits.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and motivate the kitchen team.
• Ensure high standards of food and service.
• Oversee menu development and audits.

Skills

Craft-based experience using fresh ingredients

Knowledge of health and safety practices

Financial understanding of gross profit management

Line management experience

Experience within a similar environment

Education

OND or HND qualified

Job description

Overview

As the Chef Manager, you will have full operational and financial responsibility for your school's catering facility, focusing on delivering the highest quality of food and service as well as having the flair, originality and the ability to make this one of the best school catering offers in the area.

Responsibilities

• Leading, developing, coaching, training, and motivating the team in your kitchen.
• Having full control of the catering operation, including stock, food, and labour costs.
• Ensuring consistency of food and service standards delivered to the students and staff.
• Driving sales through monthly promotions and added-value events.
• Managing and improving all controllable costs.
• Overseeing menu development.
• Maintaining company systems & procedures, and legislation.
• Carrying out regular audits to ensure standards are being met.

Qualifications & Experience

• OND or HND qualified (not a deal‑breaker, but would be advantageous).
• Craft-based experience using fresh ingredients.
• Knowledge of health and safety practices.
• Financial understanding of gross profit management and achieving sales targets.
• Line management experience.
• Experience within a similar environment.

About Aspens Services Ltd

Aspens Services Ltd is a market‑leading contract catering company specialising in school food. By combining our understanding of the education sector and our knowledge of what's on trend in the food world, we encourage creativity and excitement in our kitchens, allowing our teams to do what they do best and provide fantastic food experiences for the children. By providing excellent care and services to both clients and children, we have ensured the successful growth of the company, and to keep up with the rapid pace of this growth, we are now looking for an experienced Chef Manager to join the team.

Working Hours & Pay

Firstly, fantastic hours. You'll work Monday to Friday during school term time, meaning more time with friends and family and no working at Christmas! This role is:

• 40 hours per week, with no late nights.
• Working 39 weeks per year based around term time - what could you do with all that time off?
• £16.80 per hour.

Benefits

• Working for a fast‑growing, ambitious company. There is no ceiling here in terms of where you can take your career.
• A dedicated L&D team to support you in developing your skills, including apprenticeships and training courses that are available for everyone. Please note, we do expect all staff to share our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people, and an enhanced DBS disclosure will be sought by the company.