Chef Manager

Aspens Services Ltd; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Term-time schedule

43 weeks term-time work (school terms)

£18 per hour

Job summary

Aspens Services is seeking a Chef Manager to take full operational and financial responsibility for a school catering facility. You will lead culinary teams, own gross profit management and drive promotions, delivering high-quality meals for pupils.

Seeking a passionate leader with strong GP awareness, health and safety knowledge, and line-management experience. The role is term-time, MON-FRI, 37.5 hours weekly, at £18 per hour, with a 3–6 month fixed-term contract based around school terms.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of gross profit (GP) management and ability to hit sales targets.
• Experience in line management with team coaching and development.
• Excellent knowledge of health and safety practices.
• OND/HND qualification is a bonus but hands-on experience is valued.

Responsibilities

• Financial control: manage stock, food and labour costs.
• Lead, coach and inspire the kitchen team to maintain high standards.
• Oversee menu development and drive monthly promotions and events.
• Ensure quality standards and regulatory compliance through audits.

Skills

GP management

Line management

Health & safety

Culinary excellence

Education

OND/HND

Job description

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

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!

This is a 3-6 month fixed-term contract, based around term time

37.5 hours per week

£18 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.