CPU Operations Leader: Food Production & Growth

Thomas Franks; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wider wallet scheme

Free meals on duty

Volunteers leave

Enhanced maternity, paternity and adop

Cycle to work scheme

Recommend a friend bonus

Employee assistance programme

Workplace pension

Excellent career progression within a

Job summary

Thomas Franks London is seeking an experienced Central Production Unit (CPU) Operations Manager to lead our central production operation serving London clients. You will oversee kitchen production, quality, logistics and client relationships, driving excellence and growth.

The role combines operational leadership with a creative, entrepreneurial mindset, developing new concepts, managing P&L, budgets and compliance, while building strong client partnerships and guiding a high-performing team.

Qualifications

• Accomplished operations leader with proven experience in contract catering, hospitality or a comparable food production environment.
• Strong understanding of central production operations, excellent commercial awareness and a passion for creating outstanding food experiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead CPU Operations: Oversee the central production operation from kitchen production to logistics and client relationships.
• Drive Commercial Growth: Identify and implement strategies to grow revenue, profitability and client base.
• Develop Creative Concepts: Collaborate with culinary/creativity teams to develop innovative menus and products.
• Manage Financial Performance: Own CPU P&L, budgets and cost control to balance commercial and culinary excellence.
• Champion Culinary Excellence: Maintain top standards of food quality, safety and compliance.
• Build Exceptional Client Relationships: Build trusted relationships with clients and suppliers to enhance experience.
• Lead and Develop People: Inspire and develop the team with a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Drive Operational Excellence: Refine production processes to improve productivity and reduce waste.
• Support Innovation and Brand Development: Explore new food concepts with the Creativity Team.
• Champion Compliance and Best Practice: Ensure food safety, health and safety and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Operations leadership

Contract catering

Hospitality industry

Food production

Commercial awareness

People development

Job description

Thomas Franks London is seeking an experienced Central Production Unit (CPU) Operations Manager to lead our central production operation serving London clients. You will oversee kitchen production, quality, logistics and client relationships, driving excellence and growth.

The role combines operational leadership with a creative, entrepreneurial mindset, developing new concepts, managing P&L, budgets and compliance, while building strong client partnerships and guiding a high-performing team.