Executive Chef

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

Job summary

A leading contract catering company in the UK is seeking a highly skilled Executive Chef to lead culinary standards across school sites. The role involves overseeing innovative food offers and ensuring operational soundness while mentoring kitchen teams. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional culinary creativity, industry knowledge, and strong communication skills. The position guarantees extensive career growth opportunities, working 40 hours per week, 38 weeks a year at a rate of £18 per hour plus a car allowance.

Benefits

Unlimited career growth opportunities

Learning & Development programmes

Car allowance

Qualifications

• Currently in a development or senior culinary role and ready for a new challenge.
• Exceptional creativity and flair in food production.
• Strong industry knowledge and awareness of the latest trends.
• Understanding of budgets and costs, transmitting knowledge to team.
• Experience in a compliance-led environment with rigorous adherence to policies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the development and launch of innovative food offers.
• Develop engaging food offers and marketing initiatives.
• Coach Chefs and Unit Managers on standards and compliance.
• Ensure immaculate food standards and service.
• Increase sales and support business retention.
• Uphold adherence to company and statutory regulations.

Skills

Culinary creativity

Budget management

Compliance knowledge

Effective communication

Trend awareness

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. 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.

Why Join the Aspens Family

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.