Job Introduction
About us:
Join Aspens Catering at Backwell School at a truly exciting time as we transform our catering facilities for September 2026 to create an outstanding and inspirational dining experience for every student. As part of the Backwell staff team, you will join a supportive and collaborative community where colleagues work closely together to achieve the very best for our students. We are united by our core values of being Kind, Curious and Ambitious, and these principles shape everything we do.
A brand-new state-of-the-art kitchen is being built alongside a fully expanded and refurbished dining room with seating for approximately 450 pupils, complemented by a new external canopy area providing seated space for a further 200 students. An innovative outdoor serving container will offer fast, fresh “Grab and Go” options at social time, bringing greater choice and convenience to students throughout the day. With changes to the school day ensuring all students benefit from one vibrant, modern dining hub instead of the current split-site operation, this is a unique opportunity to be part of a forward-thinking school investing in the future of food service.
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 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!
40 hours per week
38.8 weeks per year - what will you do with all that time off?
£17.50 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? 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.