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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a kitchen team to deliver top-notch food experiences for students.
- Company: Aspens Services Ltd is a leading contract catering company focused on school food.
- Benefits: Enjoy fantastic hours, no late nights, and generous time off during school holidays.
- Why this job: Join a fast-growing company with opportunities for career advancement and skill development.
- Qualifications: OND or HND preferred; experience with fresh ingredients and financial management is a plus.
- Other info: Commitment to safeguarding children is essential; enhanced DBS disclosure required.
The predicted salary is between 41500 - 58500 £ per year.
About Us: Aspens Services Ltd is a market leading contract catering company specialising in school food. By combining our understanding of the education sector and our knowledge of what's on trend in the food world, we encourage creativity and excitement in our kitchens, allowing our teams to do what they do best and provide fantastic food experiences for the children.
The role: As the Chef Manager you will have full operational and financial responsibility for your school's catering facility, focusing on delivering the highest quality of food and service as well as having the flair, originality and the ability to make this one of the best school catering offers in the area.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading, developing, coaching, training, and motivating the team in your kitchen
- Having full control of the catering operation including stock, food, and labour costs
- Ensuring consistency of food and service standards delivered to the students and staff
- Driving sales through monthly promotions and added value events
- Managing and improving all controllable costs
- Overseeing menu development
- Maintaining company systems & procedures, and legislation
- Carrying out regular audits to ensure standards are being met
About you: We need someone who shares our passion for delivering exceptional food and service to our schools along with the following skills and experience:
- OND or HND qualified (not a deal-breaker but would be advantageous)
- Craft based experience using fresh ingredients
- Knowledge of health and safety practises
- Financial understanding of gross profit management and achieving sales targets
- Line management experience
- Experience within a similar environment
Why join us? Firstly, fantastic hours. You'll work Monday to Friday during school term time meaning more time with friends and family and no working at Christmas! This role is: 40 hours per week - with no late nights, Working 46.6 weeks per year based around term time - what could you do with all that time off? £19.98 per hour.
You’ll also benefit from: Working for a fast growing, ambitious company. There is no ceiling here in terms of where you can take your career. A dedicated L&D team to support you in developing your skills including apprenticeships and training courses that are available for everyone.
Please note, we do expect all staff to share our commitment of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people and an enhanced DBS disclosure will be sought by the company.
Contact Detail:
Aspens Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in school catering and food service. Understanding what excites children about food can help you stand out during interviews, as you'll be able to demonstrate your passion for creating engaging dining experiences.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the catering and education sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even refer you to opportunities at Aspens Services Ltd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing kitchen teams and controlling costs. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led a team or improved financial performance in previous roles, as this will resonate well with the hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to health and safety practices in your conversations. Being knowledgeable about food safety regulations and demonstrating your dedication to maintaining high standards will make you a more attractive candidate for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Catering Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what Aspens Services Ltd is looking for.
Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience in catering management, including any specific achievements related to food quality, team leadership, and financial management. Use bullet points for clarity.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for providing exceptional food and service in schools. Mention specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to lead a team and manage catering operations effectively.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have an OND or HND qualification, make sure to mention it prominently in your application. Also, include any certifications related to health and safety practices, as these are important for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspens Services
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for creating exceptional food experiences. Talk about your love for fresh ingredients and how you keep up with food trends, as this aligns with the company's mission.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led and motivated a team in previous roles. Highlight your experience in coaching and developing staff, as this is crucial for the Chef Manager position.
✨Understand Financial Management
Be ready to discuss your knowledge of financial management, particularly in relation to controlling costs and achieving sales targets. Providing specific examples of how you've managed budgets effectively will impress the interviewers.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Health and Safety Practices
Since health and safety are paramount in catering, brush up on relevant legislation and best practices. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented these in past roles to ensure compliance and safety in the kitchen.
