Regional Operations Manager

Impact Food Group; Bedford; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Health care

Pension

Job summary

Impact Food Group is seeking an experienced Regional Operations Manager to oversee multiple school kitchens across a designated region. You will lead Area Managers to ensure top-tier food, service and operational standards while traveling between sites.

The role requires a hands-on, results-driven manager with multi-site and school-management experience, strong client relationships and clear communication. A full UK driving licence is essential.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of managing others within Management.
• Multi-site experience and managing schools is a must.
• Ability to build effective client relationships and communicate clearly.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a portfolio of schools across multi-site contracts.
• Ensure all sites operate to Dolce standards and meet financial targets.
• Lead Area Managers to deliver high-quality food and service.
• Develop staff engagement and maintain high employee satisfaction.
• Ensure regular quality audits and kitchen checks are conducted.

Skills

Multi-site management

People management

Client relationships

Food catering

Food hygiene qualifications

IT literate

Full UK driving licence

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Impact Food Group (IFG) is one of England’s fastest-growing school food providers, serving around one million students every day across more than 1,500 schools. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality, nutritious meals that support student wellbeing and enjoyment.

Our brands include Innovate, Cucina, Chapter One (Independent Schools), Hutchison, and Dolce. reflecting our breadth of experience and reach across the school catering sector.

We’re growing fast, and we’re looking for an experienced Operations Manager to oversee a team of Area Managers that manage a portfolio of schools, supporting our teams and ensuring exceptional food, service, and operational standards. This is a field-based role, so you’ll need to be prepared to travel between sites.

About The Role

Job Title: Regional Operations Manager

Location: Bracknall, Surrey, Watford, Cambridge Area

Working Days: Monday to Friday

Shifts & Working hours: 45 per week

Working Weeks: 52 weeks (25 days holiday + Bank Holidays)

Pay Details: £52,500 per Annum

What You’ll Do:

We are looking for a self-motivated, resilient, and highly organised multi-site Operations Manager with a background in high-quality food catering services. As an Operations Manager, you’ll be the driving force behind multiple school kitchens, ensuring every site runs smoothly:

• Accountability for your Area Managers portfolios of multi-client, multi-site contracts across the nominated area.
• Responsible for ensuring all schools within your region are operating within Dolce standards and performing well.
• Ensure that all financial targets are achieved, a high quality operation is maintained, and client satisfaction constantly exceeds expectations.
• To inspire and support the Area Managers reporting into this role to deliver a first class service and develop employee satisfaction levels.
• Ensure constructive and effective communication between Dolce and all schools at all times.
• Ensure the completion of regular quality audits and kitchen checks as directed by Dolce protocols.
• Ensure that all Area Managers have full knowledge of the menu regarding ingredients, cooking methods and correct portion sizes and can communicate this to all staff within their kitchens.
• Reporting to the Regional Operations Director.

Who We’re Looking For

You’re a hands‑on, results‑driven manager who thrives in a fast‑paced environment. You’ll have:

In order to succeed, you will be able to demonstrate a proven track record of managing others within Management, and will have experience within a similar role and environment.

Multi site experience and experience in managing schools is a must.

You will be able to build effective client relationships and having recognised catering and food hygiene qualifications is a bonus but not required. You will have excellent communication skills, be IT literate and must possess a full UK driving license.

We’re looking for someone who leads by example, motivates teams, and genuinely cares about people and food.

What’s In It For You

We don’t just offer a job, we offer a career you can be proud of:

• Salary: £52,500 plus Car Allowance (£5,760)
• 25 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays
• Life assurance and company pension
• Healthcare
• Access to our online learning and development platform
• Employee wellbeing programme
• Salary sacrifice electric car scheme
• IFG Rewards high‑street discounts
• Annual Summer Party with company awards

Please note: An interview and assessment will be part of the recruitment process.

IFG are committed to the safeguarding of children, and our employees share this commitment. Successful candidates are required to undergo an enhanced DBS disclosure and children’s barred list check, which IFG will pay for.

We are a committed equal opportunities employer - if you require any assistance for the interview process, please detail within your application. All information is kept confidential and in compliance with GDPR requirements.