Chef Manager

Aspens Services Ltd; Norwich; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading contract catering company in the UK is seeking a Chef Manager to oversee the school catering facility. This role encompasses full operational and financial responsibility, ensuring high-quality food and service standards. The ideal candidate will have experience in managing teams and understanding financial metrics related to catering. You'll enjoy 35-hour weekly shifts during term time, competitive salary, opportunities for professional development, and a commitment to safeguarding children's welfare.

Benefits

Competitive salary

No late nights

Support for training and development

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in managing kitchen teams effectively.
• Understanding of food preparation with fresh ingredients.
• Ability to manage food costs and achieve sales targets.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate the kitchen team.
• Oversee operational control of catering services.
• Implement promotions to drive sales.

Skills

Leadership and team development

Financial management

Health and safety knowledge

Menu development

Education

OND or HND in relevant field

Job description

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements 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.

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.

Benefits and Working Terms

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.

• 35 hours per week, with no late nights.
• Working 38 weeks per year based around term time.
• £21,614.42 per annum.
• 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.
• We 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.