Regional Operations Director

Cartwheel Recruitment Ltd; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity awaits a dynamic Operations Director to join a leading independent catering company specializing in the education sector. This role offers the chance to lead a motivated team, drive operational excellence, and foster strong client relationships. The ideal candidate will possess a strategic mindset and a passion for fresh food, ensuring exceptional service delivery while focusing on long-term growth. Join a dedicated team committed to shaping the future of catering services in a non-corporate environment, where your contributions will truly make a difference.

Qualifications

• Experienced at the Operations Director level, ideally within education contract catering.
• A strategist focused on long-term growth and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of 6+ Operations Managers across Kent and Sussex.
• Drive continuous improvement and special projects across client accounts.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial Acumen

Client Relationship Management

Strategic Planning

Team Development

Job description

Join a Leading Independent Catering Company!

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Operations Director to join a highly reputable, owner-operated contract catering company with a strong reputation in delivering innovative fresh food services.

Specialising in the Education sectors, our client is seeking a dynamic leader to strengthen their team in the South M25 to Sussex / Kent area.

As Regional Operations Director, you will work closely with the Regional Managing Director to oversee key accounts across state education, as you drive operational excellence and maintain their existing levels of client retention.

Key Responsibilities:

* Lead and develop a team of 6+ Operations Managers across the Kent and Sussex areas,, nurturing a self-sufficient and motivated team.
* Drive continuous improvement and special projects across client accounts, ensuring exceptional service and fresh food delivery.
* Foster strong relationships with clients to ensure long-term retention and satisfaction.
* Oversee financial performance, with a strong focus on commercial acumen and profitability.
* Take a strategic approach to operations, stepping back from day-to-day activities to focus on business growth and innovation.

The Ideal Candidate:

* Experienced at the Operations Director level, ideally within education contract catering.
* A strategist who can focus on long-term growth while managing operational excellence.
* Client-focused, with a proven ability to develop and maintain strong relationships.
* A motivational leader with experience managing and developing multi-site operators and managers.
* Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to drive financial performance.
* Creative, with a keen eye for detail and a non-corporate approach to leadership.

This is an exciting opportunity to work with a passionate and dedicated team committed to providing outstanding catering services in a non-corporate, fresh food environment. You will have the opportunity to influence, whilst shaping the future of the company.

Location:

Ideally based in the Sussex to Kent regions to ensure excellent coverage and time management across the patch.

If you are a highly experienced Operations Director with a passion for fresh food, client satisfaction, and team development, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now by submitting your CV (in Word format).

Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.