Operations Manager

Compass Group; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering company in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead multiple catering contracts. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in hospitality management, strong client relationship skills, and a passion for exceptional service. Responsibilities include overseeing operational performance, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a mid-level, multi-site catering or hospitality management role.
• Strong commercial awareness and ability to manage budgets.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operational performance across catering contracts.
• Build and maintain long-term client relationships.
• Lead and mobilize new contracts from planning to delivery.
• Enhance service delivery and client satisfaction continuously.
• Support and mentor on-site managers to achieve targets.
• Ensure adherence to health and safety regulations.
• Analyse performance data for efficiency improvements.

Skills

Client relationship management

Budget management

Operational leadership

Coaching and mentoring

Problem-solving

Job description

Operations Manager

Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 plus benefits

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and driven Operations Manager to lead and inspire our catering teams across a portfolio of prestigious contracts. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate professional who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, combining hands‑on operational leadership with strategic management and exceptional client relationship skills.

You will be responsible for overseeing the successful delivery of multiple catering contracts, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, service, compliance, and customer experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the operational performance of a portfolio of catering contracts, ensuring service excellence and financial success.

• Build and maintain strong, long‑term relationships with clients, acting as their main point of contact and trusted partner.

• Lead the mobilisation of new contracts, from planning and resourcing through to delivery and stabilisation.

• Drive retention and development across existing contracts by continuously enhancing service delivery and client satisfaction.

• Support and mentor on‑site managers and teams to achieve operational, financial, and compliance targets.

• Ensure full adherence to health, safety, and food hygiene regulations across all sites.

• Analyse performance and financial data to identify opportunities for improvement and increased efficiency.

• Work collaboratively with internal departments such as HR, Finance, Procurement, and Marketing to ensure operational success.

About You

• Proven experience in a mid‑level, multi‑site catering or hospitality management role.

• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to manage budgets and deliver results.

• Excellent client relationship and stakeholder management skills.

• Experience of contract mobilisation and retention within catering or facilities management.

• A motivational leader who can inspire, coach, and develop teams.

• Outstanding communication, organisational, and problem‑solving skills.

• A genuine passion for great food and exceptional service.

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!