Chef Manager

Aspens Services Ltd.; Winchester; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

A market-leading contract caterer in Winchester seeks a passionate Chef Manager to oversee school catering operations. In this role, you'll manage financial aspects, lead a motivated kitchen team, and innovate menus to enhance the dining experience. Enjoy a work-life balance with a Monday to Friday schedule during term time. The ideal candidate should have experience in line management, gross profit management, and a commitment to exceptional quality food. Salary is £20,000 per annum.

Benefits

Career growth and development opportunities

Dedicated Learning & Development team

No late nights or weekends

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of Gross Profit management and strategic sales targeting.
• Proven line management experience to coach and motivate teams.
• Excellent knowledge of health and safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Manage and improve all controllable costs, including stock and labor.
• Lead, coach, train, and inspire kitchen team to deliver excellence.
• Oversee menu development and drive sales through promotions.
• Ensure standards and legislation compliance through audits.

Skills

Gross Profit management

Craft skills

Team leadership

Health and safety knowledge

Education

OND/HND qualification

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* £20,000 per annum**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** £20,000 per annum* Annual* **Job Reference** JGT/TP/76/7359* **Contract Type** Permanent* **Closing Date** 16 January, 2026* **Job Category** Unit Level* **Business Unit** Aspens Services Ltd* **Location** Winchester , United Kingdom* 17 December, 2025