Chef Manager

Aspens Services Ltd; Burton upon Trent; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading contract caterer in the UK is looking for a Chef Manager to oversee the catering facility at schools. You will manage financial control, lead a kitchen team, and drive culinary innovation, all while ensuring the highest quality standards are met. Enjoy a work-life balance with no late nights or weekends, and benefit from highly competitive hourly pay and 27.5 hours per week during term times.

Benefits

Highly Competitive Hourly Pay

Time off during school holidays

No late nights or weekends

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of Gross Profit management and ability to smash sales targets.
• Commitment to using fresh ingredients for exceptional quality food.
• Proven experience in line management with strong coaching and motivational skills.
• Excellent knowledge of health and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Manage and improve controllable costs, including stock and food.
• Lead, coach, and inspire kitchen staff.
• Oversee menu development and creative sales promotions.
• Ensure compliance with standards and regulations through audits.

Skills

Financial Control

Team Leadership

Culinary Innovation

Quality Assurance

Craft Skills

Health and Safety Knowledge

Education

OND/HND qualification

Job description

We're seeking an ambitious Chef 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!

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Company

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.

Working Hours & Benefits

You'll work Monday to Friday during school term time – that means no late nights, no weekends and no working at Christmas!:

• 27.5 hours per week
• 38 weeks per year – what will you do with all that time off?
• Highly Competitive Hourly Pay