Field-Based Regional Ops Manager - School Catering

Impact Food Group; Woking; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Life assurance

Company pension

Healthcare

Learning platform

Wellbeing programme

Electric car salary sacrifice

Discounts (IFG Rewards)

Annual Summer Party

Job summary

Impact Food Group is seeking an experienced Regional Operations Manager to oversee a portfolio of school kitchens across Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire. This field-based role requires travel between sites and a hands-on leader who can drive food quality, service and operational excellence.

You will lead multi-site teams, build relationships with clients and suppliers, monitor performance, and support HR and day-to-day operations.

Qualifications

• Experience as an Area Manager or Operations Manager in contract or retail catering.
• Managing at least 8 sites.
• Strong people management and leadership experience.
• Excellent communication with kitchen teams and senior stakeholders.
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Proficient with Office tools, spreadsheets, and presentations.
• Passion for fresh, contemporary food and delivering outstanding service.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop multi-site teams to deliver results.
• Build relationships with clients, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Monitor and improve operational performance across portfolio.
• Ensure food quality, hygiene, and compliance standards.
• Manage budgets and contracts (commercial and fixed-price).
• Support Chef Managers with recruitment, HR, and day-to-day operations.
• Present data, reports, and insights to demonstrate operational success.

Skills

Leadership & people management

Multi-site management

Stakeholder communication

Organisational skills

Office tools & Excel

Budgeting & financial oversight

HR & recruitment support

Tools

Office tools

Job description

Impact Food Group is seeking an experienced Regional Operations Manager to oversee a portfolio of school kitchens across Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire. This field-based role requires travel between sites and a hands-on leader who can drive food quality, service and operational excellence.

You will lead multi-site teams, build relationships with clients and suppliers, monitor performance, and support HR and day-to-day operations.