Operations Manager

Impact Food Group; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car Allowance

Annual Leave 25 days + bank holidays

Life Assurance

Company Pension

Healthcare

Learning & Development

Wellbeing Programme

Electric Car Scheme

IFG Rewards

Summer Party

Job summary

Impact Food Group is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee a multi-site portfolio in the Newcastle area. You will lead and develop teams, build client and supplier relationships, and drive operational performance while ensuring quality and compliance across sites.

The role emphasizes strong leadership, budgeting, and HR support, with a focus on delivering excellent service and fresh, contemporary food across school catering contracts.

Qualifications

• Experience as an Area Manager or Operations Manager in contract or retail catering.
• Proven track record of leading multi-site teams; strong people management.
• Confident communication with kitchen teams to senior stakeholders.
• Excellent organisational skills with ability to prioritise.
• Strong proficiency with Office tools, spreadsheets, and presentations.
• Passion for fresh, contemporary food and delivering outstanding service.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop your teams to deliver outstanding results.
• Build strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Monitor and improve operational performance across your portfolio.
• Ensure food quality, hygiene, and compliance standards are consistently met.
• Manage financial performance, including budgets, commercial and fixed-price contracts.
• Support Chef Managers with recruitment, HR, and day-to-day operations.
• Present data, reports, and insights to demonstrate operational success.

Skills

Multi-site leadership

People management

Communication

Organisation

Office tools

Catering industry

Job description

Impact Food Group (IFG) is one of England’s fastest-growing school food providers, serving around one million students every day across more than 1,500 schools. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality, nutritious meals that support student wellbeing and enjoyment.

Our brands include Innovate, Cucina, Chapter One (Independent Schools), Hutchison, and Dolce, reflecting our breadth of experience and reach across the school catering sector.

About The Role

Job Title: Operations Manager

Location: Newcastle upon TYne surrounding Area

Working hours: 45 hours per week

Working Weeks: 52 weeks per year (25 days holiday)

Pay Details: £52,500 per Annum

What You’ll Do:

• Lead, motivate, and develop your teams to deliver outstanding results
• Build strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and stakeholders
• Monitor and improve operational performance across your portfolio
• Ensure food quality, hygiene, and compliance standards are consistently met
• Manage financial performance, including budgets, commercial and fixed-price contracts
• Support Chef Managers with recruitment, HR, and day-to-day operations
• Present data, reports, and insights to demonstrate operational success

Who We’re Looking For

You’re a hands-on, results-driven manager who thrives in a fast-paced environment. You’ll have:

• Experience as an Area Manager or Operations Manager in contract or retail catering, managing at least 8 sites
• A proven track record of leading multi-site teams, with strong people management skills
• Confidence communicating with everyone—from kitchen teams to senior stakeholders
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise effectively
• Strong proficiency with Office tools, spreadsheets, and presentations
• A passion for fresh, contemporary food and delivering outstanding service

What’s In It For You

We don’t just offer a job, we offer a career you can be proud of:

• Salary: £52,500 plus Car Allowance (£5,760)
• 25 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays
• Life assurance and company pension
• Healthcare
• Access to our online learning and development platform
• Employee wellbeing programme
• Salary sacrifice electric car scheme
• IFG Rewards high-street discounts
• Annual Summer Party with company awards

Please note: An interview and assessmen t will be part of the recruitment process. IFG are committed to the safeguarding of children, and our employees share this commitment. Successful candidates are required to undergo an enhanced DBS disclosure and children’s barred list check, which IFG will pay for. We are a committed equal opportunities employer - if you require any assistance for the interview process, please detail within your application. All information is kept confidential and in compliance with GDPR requirements.