Operations Manager - Reading Area

ZipRecruiter; Banbury; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Operations Manager to lead their team in delivering exceptional food service and client satisfaction. This role is pivotal in managing high-caliber contracts and fostering strong relationships with clients and team members. You will be responsible for financial management and operational excellence while promoting a positive workplace culture. With a focus on quality and innovation, this opportunity offers a chance to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment, where your leadership will drive success and growth.

Benefits

Wider wallet scheme

Free meals on duty

Volunteering leave

Enhanced maternity leave

Cycle to work scheme

Recommend a friend bonus

Training and development opportunities

Established apprenticeship programmes

Team and company social events

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in operational management within contract catering.
• Strong financial management skills and client relationship building.

Responsibilities

• Manage P&L and business development strategy for the operational division.
• Deliver excellent customer service and maintain high food standards.

Skills

Operations Management

Financial Management

Client Relationship Management

Team Leadership

Compliance Management

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Time Management

Marketing Skills

Education

Experience in Contract Catering

Experience in Hospitality Management

Tools

Office Management Systems

Job description

Job Description

Our head offices are based in the beautiful village of Hook Norton near Banbury. Here, you will find our teams of finance, HR, purchasing, marketing, and creative departments that support all of our locations across the Thomas Franks family. Ample parking is available when visiting.

We are looking for an Operations Manager with a passion for food and a commitment to maintaining the highest quality food standards. The role will focus on managing high-caliber contracts and working with our clients within the region. The successful candidate will enjoy working with people and building strong relationships with clients, managers, and team members. They will support and develop excellence, add value to all activities, deliver financial targets, and leave a positive footprint every day.

The successful applicant will have proven experience working at an operational level within the contract catering or hospitality industry, serving clients with exceptional standards, and will be keen to join our leadership team.

As Operations Manager, you will have full accountability for the P&L, business development strategy, and people management & development for the Operational Division in your area. You will employ a commercial focus, deliver excellent customer service and outstanding food, and foster a positive and motivating culture.

The role involves supporting the Regional Director and managing a division with a leading and exclusive client base, maintaining exceptional and consistent standards.

Candidate requirements:

• Passion and knowledge of great contemporary fresh food and service
• Experience in delivering exceptional senior management operations in a contract catering environment for clients with high standards
• The ability to build strong, professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including service providers and suppliers
• Strong motivation skills with a lead-by-example approach
• Outstanding financial management skills—both commercial and fixed price
• An appreciation of innovative marketing and merchandising skills, supported by our Creativity Team
• HR best practices and retail skills
• The right to work permanently in the UK
• Ability to undertake an enhanced DBS check and provide references covering the last 5 years, including overseas police checks
• Proven experience in compliance management
• Excellent listening, written, and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to articulate effectively at all levels
• Knowledge of office management systems
• Outstanding organizational, analytical, and time management skills, with the ability to develop effective processes and procedures
• A team player capable of working autonomously and remotely
• Experience working across multiple sites, mobile, or remote settings

Benefits

• Wider wallet scheme (discounts at major retailers, restaurants, gyms, etc.)
• Free meals on duty
• Volunteering leave—up to one day per year
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoptive leave
• Cycle to work scheme
• Recommend a friend bonus
• Unrivaled training and development opportunities
• Established apprenticeship programmes
• Team and company social events
• Employee assistance programme
• Workplace pension
• Opportunities for career progression within a leading independent contract caterer

About us

Thomas Franks is a founder-led, fresh food catering business focused on excellence and service delivered with individuality, passion, and style. Our clients and our people are central to our success.

Disclaimer

Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK. An enhanced DBS, identity, and reference checks (covering the last five years) will be part of the selection process. We comply fully with the DBS Code of Practice and are committed to safeguarding children and fair treatment of all applicants. For roles in schools, additional disclosures may be required due to legal exemptions.

At Thomas Franks

We actively encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and aim to foster a culture of growth. We welcome applications from under-represented groups, believing that diversity leads to better results and a better working environment.