Chef Manager

Grow and Thrive Limited; Dartford; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Job summary

Aspens Services is seeking a Chef Manager in Dartford to take full operational and financial responsibility for a school catering facility. You will lead a kitchen team, oversee GP management, and drive menu development to elevate the dining experience.

The role focuses on delivering high-quality food, maintaining safety standards, and achieving sales targets, all within term-time hours (35 hours/week, 39 weeks/year).

Qualifications

• Strong GP management knowledge and sales target experience.
• Excellent leadership and team coaching skills.
• Experience in school catering or contract catering is a plus.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial control of the site including stock, labour and food costs.
• Lead, train and inspire the kitchen team to deliver excellence.
• Drive menu development and monthly promotions to boost sales.
• Ensure quality and compliance through audits and safe practices.

Skills

Team Leadership

Financial Control

Culinary Innovation

Quality Assurance

Health & Safety

Education

OND/HND

Job description

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

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:

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!

Your responsibilities will include:

• 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.

About you:

• We’re looking for a passionate leader who is ready to drive excellence and profitability. If you’re hungry for a role where you can fully own the operation, you’ll need:
• 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.

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!
• 35 hours per week
• 39 weeks per year - what will you do with all that time off?
• £16.50 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.