Operations Manager

Impact Food Group; York and North Yorkshire; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading catering service provider in the UK is looking for an experienced Operations Manager to manage multiple school sites. The ideal candidate will have a background in contract catering, demonstrating strong leadership, financial management skills, and the ability to build and maintain client relationships. This field-based role offers competitive salary, a car allowance, and various benefits including healthcare and development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary plus car allowance

25 days paid annual leave

Life assurance & company pension scheme

BUPA Healthcare

Access to online learning platform

Employee wellbeing platform

Salary sacrifice electric car scheme

High-street discounts

Annual Summer Party

Qualifications

• Experience as an Area Manager/Operations Manager in contract catering or related fields.
• Strong communication skills across all levels.
• Highly organized with excellent management of multiple sites.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a portfolio of schools ensuring exceptional service delivery.
• Manage and inspire operational teams.
• Build strong relationships with clients and suppliers.

Skills

Financial management skills

Leadership by example

Office suite proficiency

Client relationship management

Job description

Deliver exceptional senior management operations in a contract catering environment for a range of senior clients with exceptional standards.

Demonstrate strong motivation skills with a 'lead by example' approach.

Deliver financial management skills - commercial and fixed price.

What we are looking for

• A background as an Area Manager/Operations Manager within an Education contract catering is desirable; experience from Education, Business & Industry or a retail catering environment with management of at least 8 sites is also welcomed.
• Day‑to‑day management and guidance of the chef managers running the sites, supporting with client relationships, recruitment and HR matters.
• Comfortable conversing at all levels, from the kitchen to the boardroom.
• A self‑motivated, resilient, highly organised manager who can prioritise effectively.
• Proficiency with Office suite and the ability to produce spreadsheets and presentations.

About IFG

At Impact Food Group, we’re more than a school caterer. The people are the heart of what we do. We’re driven by creating a positive food culture and helping more students eat better food. Making a positive social impact is at the centre of our identity. We tirelessly learn, develop and make improvements in every way, every day. Delivered by our distinct and industry‑leading brands – Innovate, Cucina, Chapter One and Hutchison – we cater for over 600,000 students. To find out more visit our website.

Opportunity

Due to continued business growth an exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Operations Manager to join the team. This role oversees a portfolio of schools and is field‑based, requiring travel to support your teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage, inspire, and engage our teams.
• Meet with clients to build strong, professional relationships with internal and external individuals, service providers, suppliers, and businesses.
• Demonstrate passion and knowledge of contemporary fresh food and service.

Benefits

• Competitive salary plus a car allowance.
• 25 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Life assurance & company pension scheme.
• BUPA Healthcare.
• Access to our extensive online Learning platform and development opportunities.
• Employee wellbeing platform.
• Salary sacrifice electric car scheme.
• IFG rewards for high‑street discounts.
• Annual Summer Party with company awards.

Additional Details

IFG is committed to the safeguarding of children and our employees share this commitment. Successful candidates are required to undergo an enhanced DBS check, which we cover the cost for.