Chef Manager

TN United Kingdom; St. Neots; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in contract catering is looking for a Chef Manager to oversee a school’s catering facility. This role offers the opportunity to lead a passionate kitchen team, ensuring high-quality food and service while managing operational and financial responsibilities. With a focus on creativity and excellence, you will drive sales through innovative promotions and maintain the highest standards of food safety. Enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance with hours aligned to school terms and the chance to grow within a dynamic company committed to professional development.

Benefits

Career progression opportunities

Dedicated Learning & Development team

Training courses and apprenticeships

Qualifications

• Passion for delivering exceptional food and service to schools.
• Experience in managing kitchen operations and costs.

Responsibilities

• Leading and developing the kitchen team to ensure high standards.
• Managing catering operations, stock, and food costs effectively.

Skills

Craft-based experience using fresh ingredients

Knowledge of health and safety practices

Financial understanding of gross profit management

Experience in a similar environment

Education

OND or HND qualification

Job description

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About Aspens Services Ltd

Aspens Services Ltd is a market-leading contract catering company specialising in school food. By combining our understanding of the education sector and current food trends, we encourage creativity and excitement in our kitchens, enabling our teams to deliver fantastic food experiences for children.

Due to our successful growth and commitment to providing excellent care and services to clients and children, we are seeking an experienced Chef Manager to join our team.

The Role

As the Chef Manager, you will hold full operational and financial responsibility for your school's catering facility. Your focus will be on delivering high-quality food and service, with the flair and originality to make this one of the best school catering offers in the area.

Your Responsibilities

1. Leading, developing, coaching, training, and motivating your kitchen team
2. Managing the catering operation, including stock, food, and labour costs
3. Ensuring consistency in food and service standards for students and staff
4. Driving sales through promotions and value-added events
5. Controlling and improving all costs
6. Maintaining company systems, procedures, and legislation
7. Conducting regular audits to ensure standards are met

About You

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

• OND or HND qualification (advantageous but not essential)
• Craft-based experience using fresh ingredients
• Knowledge of health and safety practices
• Financial understanding of gross profit management and sales targets
• Experience in a similar environment

Benefits

Enjoy fantastic hours, working Monday to Friday during school term time, with no late nights. This role involves:

• 25 hours per week
• 38 weeks per year, aligned with school terms

Additional benefits include:

• Working for a fast-growing, ambitious company with career progression opportunities
• A dedicated Learning & Development team supporting your skills development, including apprenticeships and training courses

Please note: All staff are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required.