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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: Great work-life balance with no late nights or weekends.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young minds through exceptional food.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing teams and a passion for quality food.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and professional development.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Overview
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 Catering 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!
- 36.25 hours per week, 39 weeks per year - what will you do with all that time off?
- £15 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.
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.
Catering Manager in Dartford employer: Wes Rice: Development + Design
Contact Detail:
Wes Rice: Development + Design Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catering Manager in Dartford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the catering and education sectors. Attend industry events or local meet-ups to chat with people who might know about openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary flair! If you get the chance, bring samples of your work to interviews or networking events. Nothing speaks louder than delicious food when it comes to showcasing your skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings—reach out to schools or catering companies directly. Express your interest and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. You never know what might be available!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing passionate candidates who are eager to join the Aspens family!
We think you need these skills to ace Catering Manager in Dartford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for food and catering shine through! We want to see how excited you are about creating fantastic food experiences for young minds.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in catering management. Focus on your achievements in financial control, team leadership, and culinary innovation—these are key areas for us!
Be Specific: In your cover letter, be specific about how your skills align with the role. Mention any successful projects or initiatives you've led that demonstrate your ability to drive excellence and profitability.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wes Rice: Development + Design
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Catering 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 smashed sales targets through effective budgeting.
✨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’ve used fresh ingredients to elevate dining experiences and engage your audience—this will show your passion for quality food.
✨Leadership is Key
You’ll be leading a team, so highlight your experience in coaching and motivating others. Prepare anecdotes that showcase your leadership style and how you’ve inspired your team to deliver excellence. Be ready to discuss how you handle challenges and foster a positive kitchen environment.
✨Health and Safety Know-How
Make sure you’re well-versed in health and safety practices, as this is crucial in catering. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of relevant legislation and how you ensure compliance in your kitchen. This will demonstrate your commitment to quality assurance and the welfare of those you serve.
