Executive Chef Manager

Grow and Thrive Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspens Services is seeking an Executive Chef Manager to lead culinary standards across a school site, overseeing rollout of new menus, ensuring profitability and high-quality food service. You will be the main resource for the kitchen team, balancing financial and operational targets with customer satisfaction.

You will mentor Chefs and Unit Managers, drive service excellence, ensure compliance with H&S and COSHH, and actively contribute to growth and retention of business.

Qualifications

• Experienced in a development or senior culinary role.
• Strong creativity and flair in food production.
• Excellent knowledge of budgets and costs with ability to teach team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the rollout and launch of innovative food offers balancing financial, operational, and consumer requirements.
• Develop engaging food offers and marketing initiatives to stay ahead of trends and drive profitability.
• Coach and develop Chefs and Unit Managers on standards, compliance, and safety policies.

Skills

Team leadership

Budget management

Food safety

Communication

Job description

The following content displays a map of the jobs location - Abbey Wood

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 are searching for a highly skilled and strategic Executive Chef Manager to lead the culinary standards within our school site. You will be instrumental in the rollout and launch of exciting new menus, using your expertise to ensure it is operationally sound, profitable, and genuinely delicious. You'll be the ultimate resource for our kitchen team.

Your responsibilities will include:

Leading the Rollout: Oversee the development and launch of innovative food offers, expertly balancing financial, operational, and consumer requirements.

Trendsetting: Develop engaging food offers and marketing initiatives that keep us cutting-edge, profitable, and ahead of high‑street trends.

Mentoring and Coaching: Actively coach and develop Chefs and Unit Managers on company standards, compliance, and policies related to food quality and safety.

Driving Service Excellence: Guarantee that food standards, presentation and service are consistently immaculate, acting as a final point of escalation for customer issues.

Driving Growth: Ensure our exceptional food offering increases sales and supports the retention of existing business.

Compliance Expert: Uphold the strictest adherence to all company, client, and statutory regulations (H&S, hygiene, COSHH).

About you:

You are currently working in a development or senior culinary role and are ready for a new challenge.

You can demonstrate exceptional creativity and flair in the food you produce.

You possess strong industry knowledge, constantly keeping up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations.

You have a strong understanding of budgets and costs and, crucially, the ability to effectively pass this financial knowledge on to your team.

You have proven ability to communicate effectively at all levels, successfully driving company initiatives and engaging diverse audiences.

You are highly experienced in working within a compliance-led environment, emphasising the importance of rigorous policies and procedures.

You will have a full UK Driving Licence

Why Join the Aspens Family?

Join one of the UK's fastest-growing independent businesses where our people are truly at our core.

Unlimited Career Growth:

The opportunity to develop your career is endless. We offer fantastic Learning & Development programmes that include the ability to gain qualifications while receiving comprehensive support.

40 hours per week

40 weeks per year

Please note, we expect all staff to share our commitment of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people so an enhanced DBS disclosure will be sought by the company