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- Tasks: Lead and inspire a kitchen team to deliver top-notch food and service in schools.
- Company: Aspens Services Ltd is a leading 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; experience with fresh ingredients and financial management is a plus.
- Other info: Commitment to safeguarding children is essential; enhanced DBS disclosure required.
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. By providing excellent care and services to both clients and children, we have ensured the successful growth of the company and to keep up with the rapid pace of this growth, we are now looking for an experienced Catering Manager to join the team.
The role: As the Catering Manager you will have full operational and financial responsibility for your schools 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: 30 hours per week - with no late nights Working 38.6 weeks per year based around term time - what could you do with all that time off? £13.35 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.
Catering Manager employer: Aspens Services
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 and meets their nutritional needs will help you stand out as a candidate who can bring fresh ideas to the role.
✨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 referrals for the Catering Manager position.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any previous experience where you successfully managed a team. Highlight specific examples of how you motivated and developed your team to achieve high standards in food service.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Aspens Services Ltd thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and the specific challenges they face in the school catering sector. Tailoring your approach to align with their goals will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Company: Familiarise yourself with Aspens Services Ltd and their mission in the education sector. Highlight your understanding of their focus on creativity and quality in school catering within your application.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects relevant experience in catering management, particularly in educational settings. Emphasise your skills in team leadership, financial management, and menu development to align with the job requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for delivering exceptional food and service. Mention specific examples from your past experiences 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. Even if it's not a deal-breaker, showcasing your qualifications can strengthen your application and show your commitment to the field.
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. Share examples of how you've used fresh ingredients and innovative ideas in previous roles to engage the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Catering Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare to discuss your experience in coaching and motivating staff, and provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed a team in a similar environment.
✨Understand Financial Management
Be ready to talk about your financial understanding, particularly regarding gross profit management and achieving sales targets. Bring examples of how you've effectively managed costs and driven sales in past positions.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Health and Safety Practices
Since health and safety is crucial in catering, brush up on relevant legislation and best practices. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance and maintain high standards in your kitchen operations.
