Operations Director

Compass Group; Hounslow; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company is seeking an Operations Director to guide diverse teams across multiple contracts. The ideal candidate will have over 3 years of director-level experience in contract catering, strong leadership skills, and a passion for driving growth through inspiring teamwork and operational excellence. This role offers an opportunity to shape a culture of excellence and foster relationships with clients, ensuring sustainable business growth.

Qualifications

• 3+ years experience at director level in contract catering or hospitality.
• Proven track record of leading and inspiring teams.
• Experience in managing client relationships effectively.
• Collaborative leadership style focused on coaching and development.
• Strong commercial acumen and practical budgeting skills.

Responsibilities

• Build and develop high-performing teams.
• Strengthen client relationships and expand business opportunities.
• Champion operational excellence to ensure quality and compliance.
• Oversee budgets to achieve profitability targets.
• Encourage continuous innovation across the organization.

Skills

Leadership skills

Interpersonal skills

Strategic thinking

Budget management

Knowledge of food safety

Problem-solving skills

Job description

Operations Director

Are you a people-first leader with a passion for developing high-performing teams and fostering a culture of growth? We're seeking an exceptional Operations Director to lead our catering operations, not just by driving performance but by inspiring the people behind it.

In this strategic leadership role, you'll guide a diverse team across multiple contracts, nurturing talent, building strong client relationships, and driving sustainable business growth. Your leadership will shape a culture of excellence, where people thrive and partnerships flourish.

Key Responsibilities:

• Inspire and Lead Teams: Build and develop high-performing teams, creating a culture where people thrive and deliver exceptional service.

• Drive Growth: Strengthen client relationships and identify opportunities to expand business across contracts.

• Elevate Performance: Champion operational excellence, ensuring consistency, quality, and compliance.

• Lead Financial Success: Oversee budgets and performance metrics to achieve profitability targets.

• Foster Innovation: Encourage continuous improvement and adaptability across all levels of the organisation.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, guide, and motivate teams.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships at all levels.

• Strategic thinker focused on efficiency, profitability, and innovation.

• Expertise in budget management, financial analysis, and cost control.

• In-depth knowledge of food safety, health and safety regulations, and operational compliance.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, client-centric environment.

• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive and solutions-oriented mindset.

What You Bring

• 3+ years experience at director level within a contract catering, hospitality or leisure business.

• A proven track record of leading and inspiring teams in a multi-site operational environment

• Experience in managing and growing client relationships and delivering on service excellence.

• A collaborative leadership style focused on coaching, performance development, and inclusive decision-making.

• Strong commercial and financial acumen, with a practical understanding of budgeting and cost control.

• Knowledge of health, safety, and food safety regulations, with a passion for high standards.

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!