Operations Manager

Compass Group PLC; Reading; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in the UK is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee multiple catering contracts and ensure exceptional service delivery. You will lead and mentor a team of Unit Managers, manage financial performance, and maintain client relationships. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in operations within the hospitality sector and strong leadership skills. This role offers an opportunity to influence and drive operational excellence across diverse catering sites.

Qualifications

• Experience in mid-level, multi-site operations role within contract catering or hospitality.
• Strong commercial focus with a solid track record in P&L management.
• Ability to manage teams and foster a culture of collaboration and growth.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations across catering sites to ensure service excellence.
• Support and mentor Unit Managers for high standards across locations.
• Manage financial performance including budget planning and cost control measures.

Skills

Leadership skills

Financial management

Client relationship building

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Job description

Are you a driven and experienced operations professional with a passion for food, service excellence, and people leadership? We're seeking an Operations Manager to join our dynamic team and take the lead across a portfolio of catering contracts. As Operations Manager, you will oversee a diverse range of catering contracts, ensuring operational excellence, financial performance, and client satisfaction. You'll lead a team of site managers, inspire frontline teams, and build trusted relationships with our clients.

• Lead the day-to-day operations across multiple catering sites, ensuring consistent service excellence.
• Support and mentor a team of Unit Managers to deliver high standards across all locations.
• Develop and inspire high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, growth, and collaboration.
• Oversee recruitment across your portfolio, ensuring the right people are hired at the right time.
• Build and maintain strong, proactive client relationships across your geographic area, acting as a trusted partner.
• Ensure full contract compliance while maximising profitability, enhancing client satisfaction, and driving retention.
• Manage financial performance including budget planning, forecasting, and effective cost control measures.
• Promote exceptional food quality, uphold safety standards, and drive continuous innovation in service delivery.
• Lead the mobilisation of new contracts and contribute to tender processes and bid development as required.
• Champion best practices across HR, health & safety, compliance, and sustainability throughout all operations.
• Demonstrated experience in a mid-level, multi-site operations role within the contract catering or wider hospitality sector.
• Strong commercial focus with a solid track record in managing P&L performance across multiple contracts.
• Confident and effective leader with outstanding communication and team-building skills.
• Skilled in managing challenging conversations with professionalism, empathy, and clarity.
• Analytical and commercially astute, using data insights to make informed, strategic decisions.
• Flexible and mobile, with the ability to travel frequently
• A genuine passion for food, people development, and delivering a best-in-class customer experience.