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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead culinary standards and create exciting new menus for schools.
- Company: Aspens Services, a top contract caterer focused on school food experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, car allowance, and endless career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team making a real difference in children's food experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in a senior culinary role with strong creativity and industry knowledge.
- Other info: Be part of a rapidly growing company that values its people.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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 are searching for a highly skilled and strategic Executive Chef to lead the culinary standards across our school sites. You will be instrumental in the rollout and launch of exciting new menus, using your expertise to ensure they are operationally sound, profitable, and genuinely delicious. You’ll be the ultimate resource for our kitchen teams.
Your Responsibilities Will Include:
- Leading the Rollout: Oversee the development and launch of innovative food offers, expertly balancing financial, operational, and consumer requirements.
- Trendsetting: Develop engaging food offers and marketing initiatives that keep us cutting-edge, profitable, and ahead of high-street trends.
- Mentoring and Coaching: Actively coach and develop Chefs and Unit Managers across your area on company standards, compliance, and policies related to food quality and safety.
- Driving Service Excellence: Guarantee that food standards, presentation and service are consistently immaculate, acting as a final point of escalation for customer issues.
- Driving Growth: Ensure our exceptional food offering increases sales and supports the retention of existing business.
- Compliance Expert: Uphold the strictest adherence to all company, client, and statutory regulations (H&S, hygiene, COSHH).
About You
You are currently working in a development or senior culinary role and are ready for a new challenge. You can demonstrate exceptional creativity and flair in the food you produce. You possess strong industry knowledge, constantly keeping up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations. You have a strong understanding of budgets and costs and, crucially, the ability to effectively pass this financial knowledge on to your team. You have proven ability to communicate effectively at all levels, successfully driving company initiatives and engaging diverse audiences. You are highly experienced in working within a compliance-led environment, emphasising the importance of rigorous policies and procedures.
Why Join the Aspens Family?
Join one of the UK’s fastest-growing independent businesses where our people are truly at our core. Unlimited Career Growth: The opportunity to develop your career is endless. We offer fantastic Learning & Development programmes that include the ability to gain qualifications while receiving comprehensive support.
40 hours per week, 38 weeks per year, £18 per hour, plus car allowance.
Please note, we expect all staff to share our commitment of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children/young people so an enhanced DBS disclosure will be sought by the company.
Executive Chef employer: Wes Rice: Development + Design
Contact Detail:
Wes Rice: Development + Design Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who have experience in school catering. They might know about openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, bring along a portfolio of your best dishes and innovative menu ideas. This will help you stand out and showcase your flair.
✨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 implement these trends at Aspens Services to keep us ahead of the game.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining the Aspens family.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your culinary journey and what excites you about creating fantastic food experiences for young minds. We want to see your creativity and flair!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the role of Executive Chef. Highlight your experience in developing innovative menus and leading kitchen teams. We’re looking for someone who can balance creativity with operational excellence, so show us how you do that!
Demonstrate Your Compliance Knowledge: Since we operate in a compliance-led environment, it’s crucial to mention your understanding of health and safety regulations, hygiene standards, and food safety policies. We want to know how you ensure these standards are met in your kitchens!
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 get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Aspens family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wes Rice: Development + Design
✨Know Your Culinary Trends
Make sure you’re up-to-date with the latest food trends and innovations. Research what’s currently popular in school catering and be ready to discuss how you can incorporate these trends into your menus. This shows your passion for the role and your commitment to keeping things fresh and exciting.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about times when you’ve mentored chefs or improved kitchen operations. Be ready to share specific outcomes that demonstrate your ability to drive service excellence and foster a positive team environment.
✨Understand the Financials
Brush up on your budgeting and cost management skills. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve balanced financial requirements with culinary creativity in previous roles. This will highlight your strategic thinking and ability to ensure profitability while maintaining high standards.
✨Emphasise Compliance Knowledge
Since this role requires strict adherence to health and safety regulations, be ready to talk about your experience in compliance-led environments. Share specific examples of how you’ve ensured food quality and safety in your kitchens, as this will reassure them of your capability to uphold their standards.
