Operations Manager

Compass Group UK; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals

Contributory pension scheme

Career development programs

Digital GP & wider healthcare benefits

Travel discounts with partner brands

Discounts at retailers

Job summary

Compass Group UK in Sheffield is seeking an Operations Manager to own the day-to-day front-of-house operation and manage the client relationship. The role covers a breakfast and lunch restaurant, ad hoc hospitality, events and vending, with close collaboration to senior leaders.

You will lead a FOH team, ensure high service standards, and drive improvements while maintaining compliance and safety. A strong hospitality background and people leadership are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Experience in B&I / contract catering or high-quality hospitality.
• Ready to take the next step into an Operations Manager role.
• Strong client-facing and stakeholder-management skills, with confidence engaging senior leaders.
• Good operational, commercial and people-management experience.
• Passionate about food, hospitality and delivering high standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day front-of-house operation and ensure consistently high service standards.
• Manage, motivate and develop the FOH team, including briefings, training and performance.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Lead hospitality and event delivery, from planning through to on-the-day execution.
• Oversee compliance, food safety, H&S, stock, purchasing, labour and operational controls.
• Monitor customer feedback, sales and performance and identify opportunities to improve.
• Challenge existing ways of working and drive higher standards across the operation.
• Work closely with the wider team to deliver the overall site strategy.

Skills

Stakeholder management

People management

Customer service focus

Decision making

Resilience

Job description

An exciting opportunity for an Operations Manager to join a vibrant site in Sheffield!

The role will take ownership of the day-to-day operation. This is a highly visible, front-facing position, working closely with senior leaders and managing the overall client relationship.

The site operates a breakfast and lunch restaurant, alongside ad hoc hospitality, events and vending.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead the day-to-day front-of-house operation and ensure consistently high service standards.
• Manage, motivate and develop the FOH team, including briefings, training and performance.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Lead hospitality and event delivery, from planning through to on-the-day execution.
• Oversee compliance, food safety, H&S, stock, purchasing, labour and operational controls.
• Monitor customer feedback, sales and performance and identify opportunities to improve.
• Challenge existing ways of working and drive higher standards across the operation.
• Work closely with the wider team to deliver the overall site strategy.

What you’ll need to succeed:

• Experience in B&I / contract catering or high-quality hospitality.
• Ready to take the next step into an Operations Manager role.
• Strong character, confidence and resilience, with the ability to make difficult decisions.
• Comfortable challenging the status quo and changing established ways of working.
• Strong client-facing and stakeholder-management skills, with confidence engaging senior leaders.
• Good operational, commercial and people-management experience.
• Passionate about food, hospitality and delivering high standards.
• Hospitality/event experience is important; fine dining or plated dining experience is not essential.

We ensure you're rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Free meals
• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families