Chef Manager

Grow and Thrive Limited; Wells; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

DBS check

Learning & Development

Job summary

Aspens Family is seeking an ambitious Chef Manager to take full operational and financial responsibility for the school catering facility. This role requires a visionary leader who can elevate dining quality and service across the region.

You will own GP management, lead a kitchen team, drive menu development and run promotions to boost sales, while ensuring safety standards and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of gross profit management and the ability to smash sales targets.
• Craft skills with a genuine commitment to using fresh ingredients for exceptional quality.
• Proven experience in line management—able to coach, motivate and develop a high-performing team.
• Excellent knowledge of health and safety practices.
• Qualification like OND/HND is a bonus, but on-the-job experience matters most.

Responsibilities

• Financial control: manage and improve controllable costs including stock, food and labour.
• Team leadership: lead, coach, train and inspire your kitchen team to deliver excellence.
• Culinary innovation: oversee menu development and drive sales with monthly promotions and added-value events.
• Quality assurance: ensure standards, systems and legislation are met via regular audits and proactive management.

Skills

GP management

Team leadership

Menu development

Health & safety

Line management

Education

OND/HND

Job description

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.
• 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!

35 hours per week

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

£16 per hour

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.

All staff must share our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people. The company will seek an enhanced DBS disclosure.