Job Introduction
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.
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
Aspens is seeking a dynamic and commercially minded Culinary Director to lead the delivery and evolution of our food proposition across our primary and secondary school portfolio. This is a pivotal leadership role focused on bringing food innovation to life, ensuring our menus are nutritious, sustainable, and—most importantly—loved by students.
The Culinary Director will be the "culinary engine" of the business, responsible for translating food trends into scalable school menus, driving operational efficiency, and hitting financial targets. You will be a key player in protecting gross profit margins through smart kitchen management, waste reduction, and maximising our procurement partnerships, all while maintaining the high standards of food safety that Aspens is known for.
What We Offer:
Highly Competitive Salary + Car Allowance
28 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays + A day off for your birthday!
10% performance-based bonus
Generous pension scheme and private healthcare, as well as a high street discount & rewards, a wellbeing platform, enhanced family-friendly leave and a buy and sell holiday scheme
A supportive environment with clear pathways for professional growth
Core Responsibilities
Menu & Innovation: Develop on-trend, nutritionally compliant menus for primary and secondary schools, ensuring 100% adherence to School Food Standards, allergen legislation (Natasha’s Law) and dietary requirements.
Commercial Performance: Protect Gross Profit through strict cost control, waste reduction, ensuring site-level compliance and utilising core suppliers.
Operational Excellence: Standardise recipes and presentation guides to guarantee consistent food quality across all Aspens contracts.
Sales & Growth: Lead the culinary delivery of sales presentations, food tastings, and the smooth mobilisation of new school contracts.
Team Coaching: Mentoring and upskilling kitchen teams through hands-on training and clear, practical guidance.
Safety & Compliance: Ensure all sites operate to the highest HACCP and food safety standards.
Essential Skills and Qualifications
Strong GP and P&L management skills to drive kitchen performance
Comfortable and confident in front-of-house delivery, with a track record of winning bids through engaging food tastings and pitches.
Passionate, innovative foodie who can translate the latest high-street food trends into creative high-volume school menus
High level of culinary skill with a roll-up-sleeves approach to training and demonstrating techniques
Ability to inspire and mentor diverse teams across multiple locations
Solid understanding of UK School Food Standards and food safety legislation.
A pragmatic problem-solver, a true food enthusiast, and someone who thrives on the variety of a multi-site role.