Head of Food Operations

Compass Group UK & Ireland; City Of London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering services provider in the UK is seeking a Head of Food Operations. This pivotal leadership role involves overseeing food service operations, managing a skilled team, and driving revenue growth while ensuring compliance and safety. Candidates should have experience in catering management and strong financial acumen. The position offers an exciting opportunity to innovate and enhance food service delivery within a healthcare setting.

Qualifications

• Experience in retail or catering management.
• Proven experience in leading and managing teams.
• Strong financial acumen and proficiency with IT systems.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, inspire, and manage a skilled team to ensure service delivery.
• Oversee food service operations, ensuring compliance with standards.
• Maintain communication with clients to address challenges proactively.
• Create action plans based on client satisfaction to enhance services.
• Maximise sales through effective up-selling and innovative menu development.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental procedures.
• Manage budgets, monitor profits, and reduce food wastage.
• Coach and develop team for continuous professional growth.

Skills

Team Leadership

Operational Management

Client Relations

Revenue Growth

Compliance and Safety

Cost Control

Education

Industry recognised qualifications

Job description

Overview

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Job Introduction

Are you a dynamic and experienced catering professional with a passion for delivering exceptional food services, particularly within a healthcare setting? We are seeking a Head of Food Operations to lead, innovate, and drive excellence across our food services. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for operational performance, financial success, and customer satisfaction in a challenging and rewarding environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership: Develop, inspire, and manage a motivated, skilled team to deliver exceptional food services, ensuring all team members are trained to meet business needs and achieve key performance targets.
• Operational Management: Oversee all aspects of food service operations, ensuring compliance with contractual specifications, client expectations, and company standards.
• Client Relations: Maintain strong communication with clients through regular meetings and updates, ensuring alignment and addressing any changes or challenges proactively.
• Action Planning: Create and implement action plans based on client satisfaction surveys to continually enhance service delivery.
• Revenue Growth: Maximise sales opportunities through effective up-selling, promotional activities, and innovative menu development.
• Compliance and Safety: Ensure adherence to all health, safety, and environmental (HSE) procedures, maintaining a safe environment for staff and customers.
• Cost Control: Manage budgets effectively, monitor gross profit (GP), reduce food wastage, and ensure purchasing compliance.
• Training and Development: Coach and develop team members to their full potential, ensuring continuous professional growth and maintaining high engagement levels.

Qualifications and Experience

• Industry recognised qualifications are desirable but not essential
• Food Hygiene certification desirable but not essential
• Experience in retail or catering management.
• Proven experience in leading and managing teams.
• Strong financial acumen and proficiency with IT systems.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and adapt to a changing environment.
• Industry awareness and a professional, assertive demeanour.