Operations Manager

Impact Food Group; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in the UK seeks a talented Operations Manager to oversee multiple school sites across London. The role involves managing and inspiring teams, building strong client relationships, and ensuring high standards of contemporary fresh food service. Ideal candidates should possess experience in contract catering management and have a strong grasp of financial management. This position comes with a competitive salary up to £55k, a car allowance, and generous benefits including annual leave and healthcare.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Car allowance

25 days paid annual leave

Life assurance

Company pension scheme

BUPA Healthcare

Online learning platform access

Employee wellbeing platform

Salary sacrifice electric car scheme

Qualifications

• Experience as Area Manager/Operations Manager in Independent Education contract catering or retail catering.
• Managed at least 8 sites.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise.

Responsibilities

• Manage, inspire, and engage teams across multiple sites.
• Build professional relationships with clients and suppliers.
• Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary fresh food and service.

Skills

Team management

Client relationship building

Financial management

Microsoft Office proficiency

Motivation and leadership

Job description

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.

What can you bring?

• A background as an Area Manager/Operation's Manager within an Independent Education contract catering would be desirable. We will also be interested in speaking with you if you are from State Education, Business & Industry or a retail catering environment - you will have managed at least 8 sites.
• Day to day management and guidance of the chef managers running the sites including supporting with client relationships, Recruitment and HR matters.
• You will be comfortable conversing at all levels, from the kitchen to the boardroom.
• We are after a self-motivated, resilient, and highly organised manager; with an understanding of how to prioritise effectively.
• You won't be afraid of the Office suite and will be a dab hand at producing spreadsheets and presentations to show how well you're doing.

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.

Due to continued business growth and some exciting new wins for 2026 we are now looking to grow our Ops team across the London Region and looking for a number of experienced & talented Operations Managers to join the team - these roles will be overseeing a portfolio of schools and due to the new upcoming wins could be any region of London. This role is a field based role, so you will need to be prepared to travel to support your teams out in the business.

Key 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 great contemporary fresh food and service.

Compensation and 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.
• An employee wellbeing platform.
• Access to a salary sacrifice electric car scheme.
• IFG rewards for highstreets discounts.
• Annual Summer Party with company awards.

IFG are committed to the safeguarding of children and our employees share this commitment. Successful candidates are required to undergo an enhanced DBS check, which we supply the cost for.