Head of Catering Operations

JR United Kingdom; Dorking; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in contract catering seeks a proven leader for a senior role overseeing multi-site operations. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in managing teams and budgets, ensuring operational excellence and client satisfaction. This position offers the opportunity to drive growth and implement strategic initiatives in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in multi-site operations in catering.
• Proven ability to manage large-scale budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a senior team across multiple high-volume sites.
• Own the full P&L for a multi-million-pound contract.
• Deliver consistently high standards in food and service.

Skills

Leadership

Client Management

Commercial Acumen

Communication

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Contract Catering – Multi-Site Operations

Dorking - Surrey

We’re hiring a proven leader to take full ownership of a high-value, multi-site catering contract. If you're commercially focused, passionate about food, and thrive in dynamic, high-pressure environments, this is a standout opportunity to make your mark at a senior level.

You’ll be responsible for overseeing a portfolio of busy operations, managing a senior team, and delivering outstanding service, client satisfaction, and financial performance. You’ll drive growth, lead change, and ensure operational excellence across all sites.

If you’re commercially minded, client-focused, and a true foodie at heart, this senior role puts you at the centre of strategic delivery, growth, and operational excellence.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and develop a senior team across multiple high-volume sites
• Own the full P&L for a multi-million-pound contract, hitting financial and operational targets
• Deliver consistently high standards in food, service, and client engagement
• Build strong, lasting relationships with stakeholders at every level
• Shape and implement commercial strategies to support business growth and retention
• Use data and feedback to identify opportunities, improve performance, and drive innovation
• Work closely with internal teams — including HR, marketing, and procurement — to align service delivery and business goals
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Must have:

• Significant experience leading multi-site operations in the contract catering or foodservice sector
• Strong commercial acumen and a proven ability to manage large-scale budgets
• A strategic mindset combined with hands-on leadership — you lead by example
• Excellent client management and communication skills
• A track record of delivering high standards, business growth, and operational success
• Experience leading change and embedding process improvements across complex teams
• A genuine passion for great food, great service, and great people

Who You Are

You’ve led from the front — managing teams, budgets, and large contracts. You’ve helped businesses grow and retain key clients by delivering exceptional results. You're calm under pressure, solutions-focused, and always looking for ways to elevate performance.

Most importantly, you bring the energy and leadership that gets teams behind a shared goal.