Chef Manager

Aspens Services; Felixstowe; On-site; Full time

Job summary

A leading contract catering provider in Felixstowe is seeking an experienced Chef Manager for a fixed-term contract. You will lead a kitchen team, managing all aspects of the catering operation while ensuring the highest quality of food and service for students. The role offers a scheduled workweek of 35 hours, with no late nights, and competitive pay of £14.50 per hour.

Benefits

Dedicated L&D team for skill development

Fixed-term work aligned with school schedules

No late nights and time off during school holidays

Qualifications

• Experience in managing and motivating kitchen teams.
• Understanding of gross profit management.
• Ability to oversee operations and ensure food quality.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop kitchen teams to achieve standards.
• Oversee operational and financial controls for catering.
• Ensure high food quality and service for students.

Skills

Leadership and development

Financial management

Craft-based cooking

Health and safety knowledge

Experience in a similar environment

Education

OND or HND qualification

Job description

Summary

Aspens Services Ltd is a market-leading contract catering company specialising in school food. By combining our understanding of the education sector and our knowledge of what's on trend in the food world, we encourage creativity and excitement in our kitchens, allowing our teams to do what they do best and provide fantastic food experiences for the children.

By providing excellent care and services to both clients and children, we have ensured the successful growth of the company, and to keep up with the rapid pace of this growth, we are now looking for an experienced Chef Manager to join the team.

The role

As the Chef Manager, you will have full operational and financial responsibility for your school's catering facility, focusing on delivering the highest quality of food and service as well as having the flair, originality and the ability to make this one of the best school catering offers in the area.

Your responsibilities will include

• Leading, developing, coaching, training, and motivating the team in your kitchen
• Having full control of the catering operation, including stock, food, and labour costs
• Ensuring consistency of food and service standards delivered to the students and staff
• Driving sales through monthly promotions and added-value events
• Managing and improving all controllable costs
• Overseeing menu development
• Maintaining company systems & procedures, and legislation
• Carrying out regular audits to ensure standards are being met

About you

We need someone who shares our passion for delivering exceptional food and service to our schools along with the following skills and experience:

• OND or HND qualified (not a deal-breaker, but would be advantageous)
• Craft-based experience using fresh ingredients
• Knowledge of health and safety practices
• Financial understanding of gross profit management and achieving sales targets
• Line management experience
• Experience within a similar environment

Why join us

Firstly, fantastic hours. You’ll work Monday to Friday during school term time, meaning more time with friends and family and no working at Christmas!

This role is :

• A fixed-term contract for 23 weeks, based around term time
• 35 hours per week, with no late nights
• £14.50 per hour

You’ll also benefit from

• Working for a fast-growing, ambitious company. There is no ceiling here in terms of where you can take your career
• A dedicated L&D team to support you in developing your skills, including apprenticeships and training courses that are available for everyone.

Please note, we do expect all staff to share our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children / young people, and an enhanced DBS disclosure will be sought by the company.