Operations Manager

Impact Food Group; Aylesbury; Hybrid; GBP 46,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in the United Kingdom is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee a portfolio of schools. The role involves managing teams, building client relationships, and delivering exceptional operations in a contract catering environment. Ideal candidates will have experience in managing multiple sites and possess strong leadership and financial management skills. Competitive salary up to £55k plus benefits including a car allowance and health care.

Benefits

25 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays

Life assurance

BUPA Healthcare

Salary sacrifice electric car scheme

Employee wellbeing platform

Qualifications

• Area Manager or Operations Manager experience in contract catering is desirable.
• Management experience of at least 8 sites is required.
• Self-motivated and highly organised.
• Strong prioritisation skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage and engage teams across multiple school sites.
• Build relationships with clients and service providers.
• Deliver operations management with exceptional standards.
• Utilise Office suite for performance tracking.
• Support recruitment and HR matters.

Skills

Leadership

Client Relationship Management

Financial Management

Resilience

Organisational Skills

Job description

Role

*Operations Manager*

Salary

*£55k plus Car Allowance (£5760) & Great Benefits*

Location

*Aylesbury / Milton Keynes*

About Us

At Impact Food Group, we’re more than a school caterer. The people are the heart of what we do. We’re driven by creating a positive food culture and helping more students eat better food. Making a positive social impact is at the centre of our identity. We tirelessly learn, develop and make improvements in every way, every day. Delivered by our distinct and industry leading brands—Innovate, Cucina, Chapter One and Hutchison—you cater for over 600,000 students.

Overview

Due to continued business growth, an exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Operations Manager to join the team. This role oversees a portfolio of schools and is field-based, requiring travel to support teams out in the business.

Responsibilities

• Manage, inspire, and engage our teams
• Meet with clients to build strong, professional relationships with internal and external individuals, service providers, suppliers, and businesses
• Demonstrate passion and knowledge of contemporary fresh food and service
• Deliver exceptional senior management operations in a contract catering environment for a range of senior clients with exceptional standards
• Demonstrate strong motivation skills with a “lead by example” approach
• Deliver financial management skills—commercial and fixed price
• Provide day‑to‑day management and guidance of chef managers running the sites, including supporting client relationships, recruitment and HR matters
• Communicate confidently at all levels, from the kitchen to the boardroom
• Utilise Office suite to produce spreadsheets and presentations that track performance

Qualifications

• Background as an Area Manager / Operations Manager within an independent education contract catering (desirable)
• Experience managing at least 8 sites, also acceptable from State Education, Business & Industry or retail catering environments
• Self‑motivated, resilient, highly organised with strong prioritisation skills

Benefits

• Competitive salary up to £55k+ plus a Car Allowance (£5760)
• 25 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays
• Life assurance & company pension scheme
• BUPA Healthcare
• Access to our extensive online learning platform and development opportunities
• Employee wellbeing platform
• Salary sacrifice electric car scheme
• IFG rewards for high street discounts
• Annual summer party with company awards

Additional Details

IFG is committed to the safeguarding of children. Successful candidates are required to undergo an enhanced DBS check, which we supply the cost for. We are a committed equal opportunities employer—if you require any assistance for the interview process, please detail it within your application. All information is kept confidential and in compliance with GDPR requirements.

Apply

We look forward to receiving your application!