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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create amazing food experiences for students.
- Company: Aspens Services Ltd is a top contract catering company focused on school food.
- Benefits: Enjoy Monday to Friday 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, with experience in fresh ingredients and financial management.
- Other info: Commitment to safeguarding children is essential; enhanced DBS check required.
Summary
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\’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.
Why Join the Aspens Family?
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!
37.5 hours per week
38 weeks per year – what will you do with all that time off?
Highly Competitive Hourly Pay
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.
Ready to start a rewarding career with amazing hours? Apply today!
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.
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Chef Manager employer: Aspens Services
Contact Detail:
Aspens Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef 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 creativity and knowledge of the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the catering and education sectors. Attend local food events or workshops where you can meet people who work in similar roles. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals for the Chef Manager position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with managing costs and driving sales. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets or implemented promotions in previous roles, as this will show your financial understanding and operational capability.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Aspens Services Ltd thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and the specific challenges they face in school catering. Tailoring your conversation to align with their goals will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in catering and management. Emphasise any roles where you led a team or managed a kitchen, and include specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver high-quality food and service.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for food and service in schools. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Chef Manager role, such as managing costs and leading a team. Use specific examples to illustrate your points.
Showcase Your Creativity: Since the role requires flair and originality, consider including a section in your application that outlines your ideas for menu development or promotional events. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and creativity in catering.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have an OND or HND qualification, make sure to mention it prominently. Even if it's not a deal-breaker, showcasing your formal training can strengthen your application. Also, include any certifications related to health and safety practices.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspens Services
✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for food and cooking during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've used fresh ingredients creatively in past roles, as this aligns with the company's focus on quality and originality.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Chef Manager, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your experience in coaching and motivating kitchen staff. Highlight any successful training programmes you've implemented or how you've improved team performance in previous positions.
✨Understand Financial Management
Since the role involves financial responsibility, brush up on your knowledge of gross profit management and cost control. Be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets and driven sales in past catering roles, as this will show your capability to handle the operational side of the job.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Health and Safety Standards
Health and safety are crucial in any kitchen environment. Make sure you can talk about your understanding of relevant legislation and practices. Providing examples of how you've maintained high standards in previous roles will demonstrate your commitment to safety and quality.
