Catering Operations Manager

Compass Group UK; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering service provider in the UK is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of multiple catering contracts. This role emphasizes leadership, team mentorship, and a strong commercial focus, requiring candidates to have a solid background in operational management within the hospitality sector. The ideal applicant will promote service excellence and manage financial performance. They are expected to build strong client relationships and foster a high-performing team culture.

Qualifications

• Experience in a multi-site operations role within contract catering or hospitality.
• Strong commercial focus with P&L management experience.
• Effective communication and team-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations across multiple catering sites ensuring service excellence.
• Mentor Unit Managers to uphold high standards in all locations.
• Manage financial performance, including budgeting and forecasting.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team Building

Commercial Focus

Analytical Skills

Customer Experience

Job description

Operations Manager

Up to £50,000 per annum

Are you a driven and experienced operations professional with a passion for food, service excellence, and people leadership? We’re seeking an Operations Manager to join our dynamic team and take the lead across a portfolio of catering contracts.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the day-to-day operations across multiple catering sites, ensuring consistent service excellence.
• Support and mentor a team of Unit Managers to deliver high standards across all locations.
• Develop and inspire high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, growth, and collaboration.
• Oversee recruitment across your portfolio, ensuring the right people are hired at the right time.
• Build and maintain strong, proactive client relationships across your geographic area, acting as a trusted partner.
• Ensure full contract compliance while maximising profitability, enhancing client satisfaction, and driving retention.
• Manage financial performance including budget planning, forecasting, and effective cost control measures.
• Promote exceptional food quality, uphold safety standards, and drive continuous innovation in service delivery.
• Lead the mobilisation of new contracts and contribute to tender processes and bid development as required.
• Champion best practices across HR, health & safety, compliance, and sustainability throughout all operations.

About You:

• Demonstrated experience in a mid-level, multi-site operations role within the contract catering or wider hospitality sector.
• Strong commercial focus with a solid track record in managing P&L performance across multiple contracts.
• Confident and effective leader with outstanding communication and team-building skills.
• Skilled in managing challenging conversations with professionalism, empathy, and clarity.
• Analytical and commercially astute, using data insights to make informed, strategic decisions.
• Flexible and mobile, with the ability to travel frequently
• A genuine passion for food, people development, and delivering a best-in-class customer experience.

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!