Education Catering Operations Manager

Caterlink; Reading; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company is looking for an experienced Operations Manager to oversee a portfolio of 32 educational sites in the Reading area. Responsibilities include leading operations, managing KPIs for various metrics, and fostering client relationships. Ideal candidates will possess strong leadership and commercial skills, along with the ability to support teams effectively. Benefits include a competitive salary, performance-related bonus, generous holiday allowance, and private health care. This position offers opportunities for professional development and team support.

Benefits

Competitive salary plus a performance-related bonus

Monthly car allowance or company car

33 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays

Private health care with BUPA

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in education catering and operational management.
• A hands-on approach with the ability to support location based teams.
• Strong leadership skills, confidence, and credibility.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop operations across 32 educational sites.
• Drive operational excellence and manage KPIs.
• Develop client relationships and inspire teams.

Skills

Operations management

Leadership

Commercial awareness

Client relationship management

Job description

Job Overview

We’re looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead a portfolio of 32 educational sites, including 2 nurseries, 29 primary schools, and 1 secondary school – all conveniently located in the Reading area with minimal travel required. Based close to our Head Office, you’ll benefit from direct access to our dedicated Support Teams.

Responsibilities

Lead and develop operations across 32 sites, support location based teams, drive operational excellence, manage KPIs for Health & Safety, Retention, Quality and Finance, develop client relationships and inspire teams to deliver high-quality outcomes.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in education catering and operational management
• A hands‑on approach with the ability to support location based teams
• Commercial awareness and a focus on delivering results
• A passion for team development and client satisfaction
• Strong leadership skills, confidence, and credibility
• Required to complete an enhanced DBS disclosure

Benefits

• Competitive salary plus a performance‑related bonus
• Monthly car allowance or company car
• 33 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays
• Eligibility to join our Workplace Pension Scheme with Aviva
• Private health care with BUPA
• Fully expensed company laptop + mobile phone
• Virtual GP for you and your family (eligibility rules apply)
• Access to our Employee Discount Platform for savings on supermarkets, cinema, restaurants, holidays, and more
• Employee Assistance Programme and Virtual GP benefits available free of charge at any time
• Opportunities for blended learning programmes including formal qualifications, apprenticeships, classroom training, e‑learning, and on‑the‑job training
• Induction and continuous development support to help you reach your full potential