Relief Chef Manager

Aspens Services; Southampton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in Southampton is seeking a Relief Chef Manager who will support school catering operations. You will lead kitchen teams, manage food quality, and oversee costs. Ideal candidates should have experience in a similar environment and a passion for exceptional food service. This full-time role offers a great work-life balance with 37.5 hours per week during school terms and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

No late nights

Professional development support

Flexible school-term hours

Qualifications

• Experience within a similar environment.
• Ability to lead and motivate teams.
• Understanding of stock and cost control.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coach kitchen teams.
• Control catering operations and costs.
• Ensure food and service quality standards.

Skills

Craft-based experience using fresh ingredients

Knowledge of health and safety practices

Financial understanding of gross profit management

Driving licence

Education

OND or HND qualified

Job description

Aspens Services Ltd is a market-leading contract catering company specialising in school food. By combining our understanding of the education sector with our knowledge of what's on trend in the food world, we encourage creativity and excitement in our kitchens. This allows 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 a Relief Chef Manager to join the team.

The role

As the Relief Chef Manager, you will support the catering facility for schools within your region, assisting with operational and financial performance. You will focus 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.

Your responsibilities will include

• Leading, developing, coaching, training, and motivating the teams in your kitchens
• Supporting 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
• Maintaining company systems & procedures, and legislation
• Carrying out regular audits to ensure standards are being met

About you

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

• OND or HND qualified (not a deal-breaker, but would be advantageous)
• Driving licence
• Craft-based experience using fresh ingredients
• Knowledge of health and safety practices
• Financial understanding of gross profit management and achieving sales targets
• Experience within a similar environment

Firstly, we offer fantastic hours. You'll work Monday to Friday during school term time, meaning more time with friends and family and no working at Christmas!

This role is

• 37.5 hours per week, with no late nights
• Working 39 weeks per year based around term time - what could you do with all that time off?

You’ll also benefit from

• 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.

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