Chef Manager

Grow and Thrive Limited; Watford; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Aspens Services, a leading school catering provider in Watford, is seeking a Chef Manager to own the operation and financial performance of a school catering facility. You will lead a kitchen team, drive menu development, and ensure top quality through strong safety and governance practices.

The role emphasizes full ownership of GP management, cost control, and delivering excellent dining experiences for pupils and staff.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of GP management and ability to meet sales targets.
• Excellent craft skills with fresh ingredients and high quality standards.
• Proven line management experience with coaching and development of a kitchen team.
• Solid knowledge of health and safety practices and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Financial control: manage and improve stock, food and labour costs.
• Lead, coach, train and inspire the kitchen team to deliver excellence.
• Oversee menu development and drive monthly promotions and added-value events.
• Guarantee quality standards and compliance through audits and proactive management.

Skills

GP management

Team leadership

Health and safety

Menu development

Cost control

Education

OND/HND (bonus)

Job description

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

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!

30 hours per week

38 weeks per year - what will you do with all that time off?

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.