Operations Manager

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Hartpury; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Aramark UK is seeking an Operations Manager to lead a portfolio of Education and Healthcare contracts, delivering commercial success, operational excellence, strong client relationships, and high colleague engagement across the region.

You will oversee multiple sites, manage budgets and teams, drive continuous improvement, ensure food safety and health & safety standards, and support business development and contract mobilisations.

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience managing client relationships across multiple locations.
• Experience operating in a multi-site environment (education/food service/hospitality/retail).
• Demonstrated success managing profit and loss accounts and delivering commercial performance.
• Experience leading geographically dispersed teams.
• Experience managing change, business mobilisation or project implementation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support multiple sites to deliver excellent operational performance, customer service, and financial results.
• Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and compliance with company standards and procedures.
• Ensure high standards of food safety, health and safety, and operational excellence across all locations.
• Manage budgets, labour costs, food costs, and productivity to achieve business targets.
• Build strong relationships with clients and identify opportunities for growth and retention.
• Support business development, new contract mobilisations, and project delivery.
• Lead change initiatives and encourage a strong health, safety, and wellbeing culture.

Skills

Multi-site management

Budget management

People leadership

Organisational skills

Communication

Problem solving

Microsoft Office

Education

Degree-level qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

At Aramark we empower our people to create experiences that matter.
We share a passion for hospitality, it’s at the foundation of everything we do. Hospitality excellence is brought to life by our people every day. We embrace our responsibility to our people, our communities, and our planet. While the services we provide, and the industries we serve, are extensive, we never waver from our people-first approach.

Job Description

Reporting into the Regional Director, the Operations Manager is responsible for leading a portfolio of Education and Healthcare contracts, delivering commercial success, operational excellence, strong client relationships, and high levels of colleague engagement across the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support multiple sites to deliver excellent operational performance, customer service, and financial results.
• Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and compliance with company standards and procedures.
• Ensure high standards of food safety, health and safety, and operational excellence across all locations.
• Manage budgets, labour costs, food costs, and productivity to achieve business targets.
• Build strong relationships with clients and identify opportunities for growth and retention.
• Support business development, new contract mobilisations, and project delivery.
• Promote marketing initiatives, seasonal campaigns, and customer engagement activities.
• Monitor business performance and implement action plans to drive sales and profitability.
• Recruit, develop, coach, and retain high-performing teams.
• Create a positive and inclusive culture that supports employee engagement and succession planning.
• Lead change initiatives and encourage a strong health, safety, and wellbeing culture.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience managing multiple sites, contracts, or business units within food service, hospitality, retail, or a similar environment.
• Strong commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and delivering financial targets.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to inspire, develop, and motivate teams.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Effective communication, presentation, influencing, and negotiation abilities.
• Results-driven with a proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Competent user of Microsoft Office applications.

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience managing client relationships across multiple locations.
• Experience operating in a multi-site environment, ideally within education, food service, hospitality, or retail sectors.
• Demonstrated success managing profit and loss accounts and delivering commercial performance.
• Experience leading geographically dispersed teams.
• Experience managing change, business mobilisation, or project implementation activities.

Additional Information

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all employees and workers to share this commitment. All roles are subject to safer recruitment checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

At Aramark UK, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is valued and empowered to thrive.

As a proud Disability Confident Employer, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all abilities and are dedicated to supporting employees with disabilities throughout their career journey.

We are an Armed Forces Friendly organisation and proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. We welcome applications from veterans, service leavers, cadet forces adult volunteers, reservists and military families.

For roles requiring security clearance, any offer of employment will be conditional upon the successful completion and maintenance of the required level of security clearance. Applicants must meet the relevant eligibility and residency requirements applicable to that level of clearance.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all employees and workers to share this commitment. Where relevant to the role, safer recruitment checks will apply, including referencesand an enhanced DBS checkin line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

We ensure our recruitment process is accessible, and reasonable adjustments are available at every stage, from application to interview and employment. If you require any adjustments or have any questions, please reach out to our recruitment team – [e-mail]

Join us in fostering a workplace where everyone can achieve their full potential.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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