Chef Manager

Grow and Thrive Limited; East Hagbourne; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspens Services in Didcot, Oxfordshire, seeks a Chef Manager for a school catering facility. You will own operational and financial performance, delivering high-quality meals and a standout dining experience.

The role combines menu development, cost control, and team leadership, with a strong focus on health and safety, quality standards, and compliance. Monday–Friday term-time hours offer a great work-life balance.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing gross profit and driving sales targets.
• Proven line-management experience and ability to coach a kitchen team.
• Strong knowledge of health and safety practices and food safety standards.
• A qualification like OND or HND is beneficial, but experience is key.

Responsibilities

• Financial control of costs: stock, food and labour.
• Lead, coach, train and inspire the kitchen team to excel.
• Oversee menu development and drive promotions and added-value events.
• Ensure standards, systems and legislation are met through audits and proactive management.

Skills

GP management

Line management

Health & safety

Menu development

Education

OND/HND

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Didcot, Oxford

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\u2019re looking for a passionate leader who is ready to drive excellence and profitability. If you\u2019re hungry for a role where you can fully own the operation, you\u2019ll 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\u2019re truly after.

Why Join the Aspens Family?

Great Work-Life Balance:

You\u2019ll 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

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

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.