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 high-street 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.
We’re looking for an ambitious Head of Graduate Management & Engagement to join our growing business. This is a high-impact role for someone who knows how to spot potential and support our graduates’ growth.
You’ll take ownership of our graduate journey from recruitment through to development, ensuring our graduates feel supported, challenged and connected throughout their careers with us.
What you’ll be doing
- Take ownership of the graduate scheme, ensuring graduates are engaged, supported and progressing
- Build strong relationships with graduates and their managers, providing coaching, mentoring and guidance
- Work closely with direct reports and operational leaders to keep graduates on track against their development plans and career goals
- Act as a trusted mentor and advocate, making sure our graduates have the support, exposure and opportunities they need to thrive
- Identify development opportunities and help graduates build the skills, confidence and experience required for future leadership roles
- Support initiatives that demonstrate our commitment to developing people, talent and future leaders
- Work closely with senior stakeholders, operational teams and new starters to ensure people are effectively supported throughout their joining experience.
What we’re looking for
You’ll be an experienced people professional with extensive experience within the sector.
You’ll bring:
- Proven experience in people management, talent development and graduate programmes
- Extensive experience with a strong understanding of the catering operational environment
- A passion for developing people and creating future leaders
- The confidence to coach, mentor and challenge individuals at different stages of their careers
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build credibility with graduates, operational teams and senior leadership
- Excellent organisation and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and programmes
- A proactive, energetic and creative approach to attracting and engaging Graduates
- A strong commercial understanding and the ability to connect talent initiatives to wider business and client objectives
Why this role?
You’ll have the opportunity to shape our future talent pipeline, influence the development of emerging leaders and play a key role in how we attract, develop and retain exceptional people.
If you’re someone who gets excited from seeing people grow, enjoys working in a fast-paced contract catering environment and wants to make a difference to the next generation of leaders, we’d love to hear from you.
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.