Chef Manager

Wesrice; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading contract catering company in the UK is seeking a Chef Manager to oversee operations in a school catering facility. This role requires financial management, team leadership, and culinary innovation, ensuring high-quality food experiences. The ideal candidate should possess strong culinary skills and knowledge of health and safety practices. Join a fast-growing company offering a good work-life balance with 30 hours per week and opportunities for career growth.

Benefits

Generous time off

Career growth and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of Gross Profit management and sales targets.
• Commitment to using fresh ingredients for high-quality food.
• Experience in coaching and developing a high-performing team.
• Excellent knowledge of health and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Manage and improve controllable costs, including stock, food and labour.
• Lead, coach, train and inspire the kitchen team.
• Oversee menu development and drive sales through promotions.
• Ensure compliance with standards and legislation through audits.

Skills

Gross Profit management

Culinary skills

Team leadership

Health and safety knowledge

Education

OND/HND

Job description

About Us

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.

Job Introduction

Our commitment to quality care for both clients and children has fueled rapid growth, and we are looking for passionate people to join our journey.

The Role

We are 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 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

• 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

• 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 truly want.

Why Join the Aspens Family?

Great Work‑Life Balance

• 30 hours per week
• 38 weeks per year – enjoy generous time off.
• £14.50 per hour

Career Growth and Development

• Join a fast‑growing, ambitious company with no ceiling on career progression.
• Benefit from a dedicated Learning & Development team offering apprenticeships and training courses.

EEO Statement

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