Catering Operations Director

Aramark Ltd; Ayot Green; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave and pension

Life assurance

Employee benefits scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

In-house mental health champions

In-house events and culinary showcases

Job summary

Aramark Ltd. is seeking a Catering Operations Director to oversee site-level operations across campuses with turnover above £4 million. You will lead strategic initiatives, drive continuous improvement, and manage client relationships, teams, and P&L to ensure service excellence and financial performance.

Ideal candidates bring substantial multi-site leadership experience, a sharp eye for detail, and a proven ability to deliver profits while upholding Aramark standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years management experience in a complex multi campus environment.
• Experience in HE and/or retail industries.
• Proven track record in delivering budgeted profit levels.
• Ability to demonstrate leadership and success.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational and financial performance of the university's catering services.
• Implement strategic initiatives to drive business improvements.
• Engage, market, and communicate effectively with your team and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to develop propositions for the higher education market.
• Ensure compliance with HR laws, hygiene, safety, and food safety requirements.
• Maintain strict adherence to Aramark policies and procedures.
• Conduct regular client reviews and support new business and retention activities.
• Lead contract negotiations and identify opportunities for growth.
• Maintain and develop strong client relationships.
• Demonstrate strong commercial acumen in creating and managing operating models.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Financial acumen

Client relationships

Job description

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for excellence in food & beverage? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, multi-campus environment where you can make a real impact? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you! As Catering Operations Director, you will oversee and manage operations at site level for sites where total turnover exceeds £4 million. Your strategic leadership will drive continual improvement and operational excellence, ensuring the highest standards of service and financial performance. You will have strong experience within a multi-site role, be innovative and have a keen eye for detail. You'll be confident when managing client relationships, teams, and P&L.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead the operational and financial performance of the university's catering services.
• Implement strategic initiatives to drive business improvements.
• Engage, market, and communicate effectively with your team and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to develop propositions for the higher education market.
• Ensure compliance with all HR laws, hygiene, safety, and food safety requirements.
• Maintain strict adherence to Aramark policies and procedures.
• Conduct regular client reviews and support new business and retention activities.
• Lead contract negotiations and identify opportunities for growth.
• Maintain and develop strong client relationships.
• Demonstrate strong commercial acumen in creating and managing operating models.

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years management experience in a complex multi campus environment.
• Previous experience in the HE and or retail industry.
• Proven track record in delivering budgeted profit levels.
• Ability to demonstrate leadership and success.

Salary £60,000 Generous annual leave that increases in line with service, with the opportunity to buy extra Defined contribution pension scheme and life assurance benefits Access to an employee benefit scheme that offers discounts across hundreds of retail and leisure providers Employee Assistance Programme and in-house Mental Health Champions FOOD! A plethora of opportunities to attend in-house events and try out the culinary genius of our teams (we are a food business after all!)