Chef Manager

Aspens Services Ltd.; Oxford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A market-leading contract caterer in Oxford is seeking a passionate Chef Manager to oversee all operations in a school catering facility. This role involves financial control, team leadership, and culinary innovation to elevate the dining experience. Ideal candidates will have strong management skills and a commitment to quality food using fresh ingredients. The position offers a great work-life balance with no late nights or weekends, working Monday to Friday during term time.

Benefits

Great work-life balance

Career growth and development opportunities

Dedicated Learning & Development team

Qualifications

• Proven experience in line management.
• Strong understanding of Gross Profit (GP) management.
• Excellent culinary skills with a focus on fresh ingredients.

Responsibilities

• Manage and improve controllable costs.
• Lead, coach, and inspire the kitchen team.
• Oversee menu development and drive sales.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and legislation.

Skills

Culinary Innovation

Team Leadership

Gross Profit Management

Health and Safety Practices

Education

OND/HND or equivalent experience

Job description

# Chef Manager## Job IntroductionAspens 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.***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* £14 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.*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.*### Chef Manager* **Salary** £14 per hour* Hourly* **Job Reference** JGT/TP/76/7310* **Contract Type** Permanent* **Closing Date** 09 January, 2026* **Job Category** Unit Level* **Business Unit** Aspens Services Ltd* **Location** Oxford, United Kingdom* 10 December, 2025