Chef Manager

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

Job summary

A leading school catering company in the United Kingdom is seeking an ambitious Chef Manager to take full operational and financial responsibility for a school's catering facility. This role involves managing costs, leading a kitchen team, and overseeing culinary innovation to deliver high-quality food services. Ideal candidates will have strong GP management skills, a commitment to fresh ingredients, and experience in motivating teams. Enjoy a Monday to Friday schedule during school term time, ensuring a great work-life balance with competitive pay.

Benefits

No late nights

No weekends

No working at Christmas

37.5 hours per week

38 weeks off per year

Highly Competitive Hourly Pay

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of Gross Profit management for improving sales.
• Commitment to using fresh ingredients for high-quality food.
• Experience in coaching and motivating a team for performance.
• Knowledge of health and safety practices in a kitchen.
• On-the-job experience prioritized over formal qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Manage operational and financial aspects of the catering facility.
• Lead and inspire the kitchen team to deliver high standards.
• Oversee menu development and innovative sales promotions.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and legislation.

Skills

GP management

Culinary creativity

Line management experience

Health and safety knowledge

Education

OND/HND qualification

Job description

Overview

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

• 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.

Company Profile

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.

Benefits

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?
• Highly Competitive Hourly Pay