Head of Non Food Operations-Healthcare

Compass Group; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare services provider in Cambridge is seeking a Head of Non-Food Operations to lead and optimize essential services within a complex operational environment. You will design service delivery models, ensure compliance with health standards, and inspire multi-disciplinary teams. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in healthcare environments and a passion for excellence. This full-time role offers a competitive salary of £65,000 plus excellent benefits.

Benefits

Excellent benefits

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience leading multi-disciplinary teams.
• Strong knowledge of NHS or healthcare standards.
• Commercially astute with high-quality service delivery.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver a high-performing Non‑Food Service Delivery Model.
• Ensure services meet NHS, HSE, and contractual standards.
• Build and motivate multi-disciplinary teams.
• Use data and KPIs to improve service delivery.
• Collaborate with clinical and operational leaders.
• Support process redesign and digital innovation.
• Manage budgets and identify efficiencies.

Skills

Multi-disciplinary team leadership

Knowledge of NHS standards

People leadership and coaching

Commercial acumen

Change management

Service excellence

Job description

Head of Non-Food Operations - Healthcare

Salary: £65,000 + excellent benefits
Location: Addenbrookes Hospital
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Be the driving force behind safer, smarter, more sustainable healthcare services.

Are you a passionate operational leader ready to make a measurable impact in healthcare support services? We're looking for a Head of Non-Food Operations to lead and optimise essential service delivery across Portering, Domestic Services, and Logistics.

This is a senior leadership role with real influence - responsible for ensuring that non-food services are delivered efficiently, safely, and compassionately to support world‑class patient care. You'll shape strategy, drive innovation, and inspire a high‑performing team in one of the UK's most complex and rewarding operational environments.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and innovate - Design and deliver a high-performing Non‑Food Service Delivery Model across multiple operational teams.

• Champion quality and compliance - Ensure services meet all NHS, HSE, and contractual standards while maintaining exceptional infection control and patient safety.

• Inspire and empower teams - Build, motivate, and develop multi‑disciplinary teams to deliver service excellence and operational resilience.

• Drive performance and efficiency - Use data, KPIs, and insight to deliver smarter operations and measurable improvements in service delivery.

• Collaborate at every level - Partner with clinical and operational leaders to align non‑food services with wider healthcare objectives.

• Lead transformation - Support mobilisation, process redesign, and digital innovation projects across the estate.

• Deliver commercial results - Manage budgets effectively, identify efficiencies, and ensure services operate sustainably and profitably.

What We’re Looking For

You’re a proven operational leader with a track record of success in large‑scale facilities or healthcare environments. You know how to balance strategic vision with hands‑on leadership and thrive in fast‑paced, complex settings.

Essential experience and skills:

• 5+ years’ experience leading multi‑disciplinary teams (e.g. cleaning, portering, logistics, or facilities).
• Strong knowledge of NHS or healthcare standards.
• Excellent people leadership and coaching skills.
• Commercially astute, with the ability to deliver high‑quality services within budget.
• Confident in change management, transformation projects, and stakeholder engagement.
• Passionate about service excellence, sustainability, and patient experience.