At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create fun, nutritious menus for students.
- Company: Aspens Services, a top contract caterer in school food.
- Benefits: £16 per hour, Monday to Friday hours, and no late nights or weekends.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities with training and development support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young minds through delicious food experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in catering, a full UK driving licence, and passion for mentoring.
The predicted salary is between 16 - 16 £ per hour.
Location: Cranfield, Leighton Buzzard, Luton and surrounding area
Closing Date: 05/08/2026
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:
As an Area Cook in one of our schools, you will be the culinary leader responsible for crafting and delivering a healthy, nutritious and truly fun menu for students and staff alike. We’re looking for someone with the flair, originality and leadership skills to deliver the highest quality food and service to the schools within your area, making our offer the absolute best.
Please note: This position requires a full UK driving licence to enable you to travel between schools.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Menu Excellence: Expert preparation of our menus using excellent craft skills and fresh ingredients.
- Team Leadership: Supervising and motivating your kitchen team to ensure smooth service and high morale.
- Safety Champion: Ensuring strict compliance with all Food Hygiene, Allergen, and Health and Safety regulations.
- Excellent Hospitality: Managing and producing high-quality hospitality requests for school clients and special events.
- Building Community: Developing strong, friendly relationships with both the school client and the students you serve.
About you:
- We need a passionate, self‑motivated Chef who is ready to mentor a team and raise the bar for school dining.
- A full UK driving licence to enable you to travel between schools.
- Proven experience in a catering environment, focusing on using fresh ingredients, ideally with knowledge of education catering.
- Excellent knowledge of Health and Safety practices and certification in Food Hygiene level 2 & 3 (further development training is available).
- You’re self‑motivated, take initiative, and have a passion for learning and achieving goals while effectively motivating others.
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!
- 35 hours per week, 38 weeks per year - what will you do with all that time off?
- £16 per hour
- 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.
Area Cook employer: Grow and Thrive Limited
Grow and Thrive Limited is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work environment in Tenbury Wells where you can enjoy a great work-life balance with no late nights or weekends. As a Catering Assistant, you'll have the opportunity to develop your skills in a team-oriented atmosphere while contributing to the well-being of students through exceptional food service. We prioritise employee growth and provide a fulfilling career path in the catering industry.
