Executive Chef

Aspens Services Ltd.; Bishop's Stortford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading contract catering company in Bishop's Stortford is seeking a highly skilled Executive Chef to lead culinary standards across school sites. You will oversee innovative menu development, mentor kitchen staff on compliance, and drive service excellence. This full-time position offers 40 hours per week at £18 per hour plus a car allowance, with ample opportunities for career growth and professional development.

Benefits

Career development programmes

Car allowance

Support for gaining qualifications

Qualifications

• Currently in a senior culinary role with proven creativity.
• Strong understanding of budgets and cost efficiency.
• Effective communication skills at all organizational levels.

Responsibilities

• Oversee innovative menu development across school sites.
• Coach and mentor kitchen staff on compliance and quality.
• Drive service excellence and adherence to food safety regulations.

Skills

Menu development

Culinary creativity

Budgeting

Compliance knowledge

Job description

# Executive Chef## 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 are searching for a highly skilled and strategic Executive Chef to lead the culinary standards across our school sites. You will be instrumental in the rollout and launch of exciting new menus, using your expertise to ensure they are operationally sound, profitable, and genuinely delicious. You'll be the ultimate resource for our kitchen teams.**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 across your area 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.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* 38 weeks per year* £18 per hour, plus car allowance*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*### Executive Chef* **Salary** £18 per hour* Hourly* **Job Reference** JGT/TP/76/7641* **Contract Type** Full Time* **Closing Date** 1 March, 2026* **Job Category** Unit Level* **Business Unit** Aspens Services Ltd* **Location** Bishop's Stortford, United Kingdom* 30 January, 2026