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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 innovation.
- 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.
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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 Chef Manager to join the team.
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
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 practices
Financial understanding of gross profit management and achieving sales targets
Experience within a similar environment
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:
35 hours per week, with no late nights
Working 39 weeks per year based around term time – what could you do with all that time off?
£15 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 to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people, and an enhanced DBS disclosure will be sought by the company.
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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 educational standards 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 position.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any previous experience where you successfully trained or motivated a team. Highlighting your ability to develop others will resonate well with the hiring managers at Aspens Services Ltd.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you manage costs and drive sales in a catering environment. Being able to demonstrate your financial acumen and strategic thinking will be crucial in proving you’re the right fit for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully 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, particularly in educational settings. Highlight any achievements related to food quality, team leadership, and financial management.
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 experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead a team and manage catering operations effectively.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in the catering industry.
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 favourite dishes to prepare and how you keep up with food trends, as this aligns with the company's focus on creativity in their kitchens.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Catering Manager, you'll be leading a team. Share examples of how you've successfully coached and motivated your team in the past. Highlight any specific training programmes you've implemented or how you've resolved conflicts within a kitchen environment.
✨Understand Financial Management
Be prepared to discuss your experience with managing costs and achieving sales targets. Bring examples of how you've previously controlled food and labour costs while maintaining quality, as financial understanding is crucial for this role.
✨Emphasise Health and Safety Knowledge
Since health and safety practices are vital in catering, be ready to talk about your knowledge and experience in this area. Mention any relevant certifications or training you've completed that demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards.
