Chef Manager

Aspens Services Ltd; Northampton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading school catering provider in Northampton seeks an ambitious Chef Manager to take full operational and financial responsibility for the school's catering facility. The ideal candidate will manage costs, lead a team, oversee innovative menu development, and ensure high food quality and safety standards. Enjoy a rewarding role with no late nights or weekends during school term time, offering a competitive hourly rate of £15.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of Gross Profit (GP) management.
• Excellent craft skills with fresh ingredients.
• Proven experience in line management.
• Knowledge of health and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Manage and improve controllable costs including stock, food, and labour.
• Lead, coach, train, and inspire kitchen team.
• Oversee menu development and promote sales.
• Ensure compliance with standards and legislation.

Skills

Financial Control

Team Leadership

Culinary Innovation

Quality Assurance

Education

OND/HND or equivalent experience

Job description

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.

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:

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.

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.

You'll work Monday to Friday during school term time - that means no late nights, no weekends, and no working at Christmas!

Details

• 30 hours per week
• 38 weeks per year - what will you do with all that time off?
• £15 per hour