Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team to create amazing food experiences for students.
- Company: Aspens Services, a top contract caterer in school food.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young minds through delicious meals.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and a passion for quality food.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with a focus on professional development.
Join to apply for the Chef Manager role at Wes Rice: Development + Design.
About Us
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.
Job Introduction
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 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
- 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: 30 hours per week, 38 weeks per year – what will you do with all that time off?
- £14.50 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? 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.
Chef Manager employer: Wes Rice: Development + Design
Contact Detail:
Wes Rice: Development + Design Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering industry, especially those who have experience in school food services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary flair! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, bring along a portfolio of your best dishes or menu ideas. This will not only showcase your skills but also demonstrate your passion for creating fantastic food experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest food trends and how they apply to school catering. Be ready to discuss how you can elevate the dining experience at Aspens Services with innovative ideas that align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Aspens family and contributing to our exciting journey in school catering.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food and cooking shine through! Share your culinary journey and any innovative ideas you have that could elevate the dining experience at our schools.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you inspire and lead your team! Include examples of how you've coached or motivated others in the kitchen, and how you’ve created a positive work environment.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous jobs—tell us about your achievements! Mention specific instances where you managed costs effectively or developed exciting menus that drove sales.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you on board for this exciting Chef Manager role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wes Rice: Development + Design
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Chef Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of financial control. Brush up on Gross Profit management and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed costs in previous roles. Bring specific examples of how you’ve improved stock management or reduced food waste.
✨Showcase Your Culinary Creativity
This role is all about culinary innovation, so come prepared with ideas! Think about exciting menu concepts or promotions you've implemented before. Share how you keep up with food trends and how you can bring that flair to the school catering experience.
✨Leadership is Key
You’ll be leading a team, so highlight your experience in coaching and motivating others. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've inspired your team to deliver excellence. They want to see that you can create a positive kitchen culture!
✨Health and Safety Know-How
Make sure you're well-versed in health and safety practices. Be ready to talk about how you've ensured compliance in past roles and any audits you've conducted. This shows that you take quality assurance seriously and are committed to maintaining high standards.
