Summary
Package Description
About us:

Aspens Services Ltd is a market-leading contract catering company specialising in school food. By combining our understanding of the education sector and our knowledge of what's on trend in the food world, we encourage creativity and excitement in our kitchens, allowing our teams to do what they do best and provide fantastic food experiences for the children.

By providing excellent care and services to both clients and children, we have ensured the successful growth of the company and to keep up with the rapid pace of this growth, we are now looking for an experienced Development Chef to join the team.

Job Introduction
Aspens Services is a leading and successful school contract caterer, providing nutritious meals to children in schools across the North Birmingham and Stoke area. We are currently seeking a dynamic Regional Development Chef to join our Midlands team.

• Hours: 40 hours per week, no late nights
• Contract: 52 weeks per year
• Salary: £39,000 - £42,000 per annum + company car
• Benefits: Mileage covered by the company, Private Medical Insurance, Enhanced Parental Leave, an additional day of annual leave for your birthday
• Career Growth: Work for a fast-growing, ambitious company with unlimited career potential
• Professional Development: Access to a dedicated Learning & Development team, offering apprenticeships and training courses for all staff

Please note, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required for this role.

Main Responsibilities

• Food Quality & Standards: Collaborate with chefs and unit managers to ensure consistently high standards of food quality, presentation, and compliance with all food policies across the business area.
• Innovation & Development: Develop new food offerings and marketing initiatives that are innovative, on-trend, and profitable.
• Sales & Business Growth: Assist in increasing sales and retaining/growing our business through fresh food and innovative approaches.
• Coaching & Development: Mentor and develop chefs, ensuring they meet and maintain company standards, compliance, and policies in all areas of food health, safety, and quality.
• Service Excellence: Ensure that exceptional levels of service are delivered to all customers.
• Compliance: Adhere to all company and client policies, site rules, and statutory regulations relating to health and safety, safe working practices, hygiene, cleanliness, fire safety, and COSHH.

The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for someone who shares our passion for delivering exceptional food and service in schools, with the following skills and experience:

• Experience: Previous experience in a development or senior culinary role
• Craft Skills: Excellent culinary background and skills
• Industry Knowledge: Strong acumen in external catering developments and innovations
• Financial Understanding: Demonstrated ability to understand and manage budgets
• Leadership: Proven ability to adhere to and drive company initiatives
• Communication: Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels
• Compliance: Experience working in a standards and compliance-focused environment