Head of Commercial Operations

Foodbuy; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading procurement organization in the UK is seeking a Head of Commercial Operations to oversee operational excellence and strategic supply chain requirements. The ideal candidate will have proven leadership experience, outstanding commercial acumen, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. This role plays a pivotal part in ensuring effective collaboration between Compass units and suppliers. Join to make a significant impact in a high‑growth environment while advancing your career.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience resolving complex cross-functional issues.
• Outstanding commercial acumen and decision-making capability.
• A track record of delivering change and business process improvement.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Customer Experience Team ensuring effective operations.
• Oversee data analysis, reporting and process improvement.
• Act as a senior member of the Commercial Management team.

Skills

Outstanding commercial acumen

Exceptional data interpretation

Strong interpersonal skills

Proven leadership experience

Ability to manage multiple projects

Job description

🌟 Job Opportunity: Head of Commercial Operations (Foodbuy)

Location: Chertsey

Foodbuy is at the heart of Compass Group’s commercial success, and our connectivity with both Compass sectors and suppliers has never been more vital. As we navigate challenges across inflation, supply chain, sustainability and growth, we’re committed to making collaboration simpler, smarter and more effective.

We’re now looking for an exceptional Head of Commercial Operations — a commercially minded, influential and resilient leader who will play a pivotal role in shaping how Foodbuy delivers day-to-day operational excellence across the Compass business.

About the Role

Sitting at the centre of our Compass Commercial Management team, this senior role partners closely with sector-focused Commercial Directors and Foodbuy Culinary Solutions. You will lead our Customer Experience Team (CET), ensuring smooth day-to-day operations between Compass units, Foodbuy and suppliers — and driving continuous improvement in the way we work.

You’ll also shape strategic supply chain requirements across Compass, hold internal teams and suppliers to account, and play a key role in the delivery of critical UK-wide and sector-specific projects.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a Compass operator looking to diversify their experience, a Central Functions leader seeking progression, or an external candidate excited to make a real impact in a complex, fast‑paced and high‑growth environment.

Key Responsibilities

Lead & Optimise Commercial Operations

• Manage the CET team, ensuring all supplier, product, pricing and operational issues are handled effectively and escalated appropriately
• Oversee CET data analysis, reporting and process improvement
• Drive continuous improvement of Foodbuy Online (FBOL), working with the Foodbuy Transformation Board

Ensure Smooth Supply Chain & Product Delivery

• Oversee supplier onboarding and product setup, ensuring timely alignment across multiple teams
• Support new client mobilisations and existing client de‑mobilisations
• Respond to supplier, product and pricing queries, collaborating with key Foodbuy functions

Partner, Influence & Deliver Business Outcomes

• Lead and influence stakeholders across Compass sectors and Foodbuy
• Manage reporting and information requests for Compass and Foodbuy teams
• Act as a senior member of the Commercial Management team, taking ownership of cross‑functional and ad hoc projects

About You

You’re a strong commercial operator with the gravitas to influence senior stakeholders and the resilience to navigate a fast‑moving and high‑pressure environment. You bring:

• Proven leadership experience resolving complex cross‑functional issues (ideally within supply chain or commercial operations)
• Outstanding commercial acumen and decision‑making capability
• A track record of delivering change and business process improvement across complex organisations
• Exceptional data interpretation and analytical skills
• A contagious “can do” attitude with strong interpersonal and influencing skills
• Experience leading multiple workstreams and projects simultaneously
• Comfort operating in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment

Why Join Foodbuy?

This is a rare opportunity to step into a high‑impact, strategically significant role within one of the UK’s largest and most ambitious procurement organisations. You’ll shape how Compass delivers for clients and consumers across every sector while developing your own career within a supportive, innovative and fast‑growing business.

If you're commercially driven, operationally excellent and motivated to make things better — we’d love to hear from you.