Area Operations Lead — School Food & Service

Impact Food Group; Reading; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Bonus up to 10% discretionary

Free meals on shift

Uniform

Pension and benefits

Qualifications and development

Staff discount across retailers

Monthly incentives

Job summary

Impact Food Group in Reading, England, seeks an experienced Operations Support Manager to oversee a portfolio of sites regionally, reporting to the Operations Manager. You will lead multi-site teams, balance quality and service while driving profit, and support in kitchens when needed.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong communication from kitchen to boardroom, and exceptional organisation. A fast-growing school catering provider offering development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience managing at least four sites and supervising Chef Managers.
• Hands-on chef by trade with willingness to work in the kitchen.
• Confident in communicating with clients, stakeholders and senior leaders.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation abilities.
• Proficient in creating clear spreadsheets and presentations to show results.

Responsibilities

• Manage, inspire, and engage teams across sites.
• Understand, track, and drive schools' restaurant profit contribution.
• Build trusted relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Step into the kitchen when needed to support service.
• Communicate effectively from kitchen to boardroom.
• Be self-motivated, resilient, and highly organised.
• Utilise MS Office to present performance data clearly.

Skills

Multi-site management

Team leadership

Stakeholder communication

Spreadsheet & presentation skills

Prioritisation & organisation

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Microsoft Office

Job description

Impact Food Group in Reading, England, seeks an experienced Operations Support Manager to oversee a portfolio of sites regionally, reporting to the Operations Manager. You will lead multi-site teams, balance quality and service while driving profit, and support in kitchens when needed.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong communication from kitchen to boardroom, and exceptional organisation. A fast-growing school catering provider offering development opportunities.