Operations Manager (Catering)

Manchester Arndale; Manchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading facilities management company in Manchester seeks an Operations Manager responsible for maintaining client relationships and achieving business objectives. The ideal candidate will have relevant operations management experience, a degree in a related field, and excellent communications skills. This role includes managing budgets and implementing food safety standards while leading a dedicated team. Join a dynamic workplace that promotes professional growth and values diversity.

Qualifications

• Relevant experience in operations management within the contract catering industry.
• Proven history in team management and leadership.
• Food hygiene certificate (Level 3) is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Maintain client contact frequencies confirming key areas of action.
• Ensure quality objectives are audited as per Service Level Agreement.
• Monitor client budget and prepare action plans for adverse performance.

Skills

Operations management

Team management

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Degree in business, operations management, or related field (NVQ Level 3 or equivalent)

Tools

Microsoft Office (especially Excel)

Job description

About The Company:

OCS UK & Ireland is a leading facilities management company with 50,000+ colleagues and a turnover in excess of £2bn. We deliver innovative, award‑winning services within facilities management, hard services, cleaning, security and catering.

Our mission is to make people and places the best they can be for our colleagues, customers and the communities we serve. Our commitment to doing business the right way is rooted in our TRUE values - Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment.

About The Role:

Days of Working: Monday to Friday

Responsible To: Operations Director
Responsible For: Unit Catering Managers/Operations Support Team

Objectives: To operate, retain, grow, and gain the Company’s business to meet business objectives following the company’s policies and procedures.

As part of your role, your key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Maintain client contact frequencies confirming key areas of action in writing.
• Ensure that quality objectives are audited, as agreed in the Service Level Agreement, and correct any shortfalls that are identified.
• Monitor client budget on a monthly basis, presenting variances to client and producing and implementing action plans to rectify if performance is adverse.
• Implement all aspects of Food Safety, including HACCP, and Health & Safety in contracts, adhering to company procedures, and following client policies where applicable.
• Assisting the sales team with operational knowledge and support.
• Attending sales presentations as required.
• Prepare and agree annual budget with clients in line with client time requirements.
• Through regular and up to date marketing and merchandising develop unit sales to meet and exceed client and company budget requirements.
• Implement all elements of TRUE values in units, ensuring new catering colleagues at all levels receive adequate induction within given timescales as dictated by the Company.
• Establish a regular pattern of quality one to one meetings with unit managers under the job holders’ control; providing coaching, guidance and support as required.
• Ensure that Company information is cascaded and opportunity for two way open and honest communication is provided.
• Conduct an Annual Personal Development Review with all managers under job holders’ control to clearly establish future development and statutory training needs.
• Follow up any training and development undertaken by your direct reports to determine success of training and implementation to improve aspects of company business.
• Attend on and off job training as required to develop necessary skills to meet the growing needs of the business and the job holder including minimum competencies in Food Safety, Health & Safety and Nutrition as required by the company.
• Attend all National and Regional Team Meetings, and other company development days.

What are we looking for?

• Should have relevant experience in operations management within the contract catering industry.
• Hold a degree in business, operations management, or a related catering at NVQ Level 3 or equivalent.
• Can demonstrate a proven history in team management and leadership.
• Possess and demonstrates analytical and Problem‑Solving Skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential.

The ideal candidate should meet the following criteria:

• Must have the Right to work in the UK.
• An understanding of financial management, budgeting, and cost control.
• The ability to manage complex situations and find practical solutions.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Good time‑management and organisational abilities.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
• Competent with Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel.
• Food hygiene certificate (Level 3) is advantageous.

How to Apply:

If you are interested in joining a business that encourages professional development, career progression and the chance to work with inspirational people then please click apply and register your interest! You can also sign up to our job alerts when registering which will notify you when other suitable vacancies are available.

We are an equal opportunities employer and rely on a diverse workforce with a broad range of knowledge, skills, and backgrounds to deliver our goals. We offer an inclusive and welcoming environment and actively encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age.