Regional Operations Manager

Impact Food Group; East Malling; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car Allowance (£5,760)

25 days annual leave plus bank holiday

Life assurance

Company pension

Healthcare

Learning & development platform

Wellbeing programme

Salary sacrifice electric car scheme

IFG Rewards discounts

Annual Summer Party

Job summary

Impact Food Group is seeking a Regional Operations Manager to lead a portfolio of schools across Kent, South East London, and East Sussex. This field-based role requires travel between sites, with a 45-hour work week and 52 working weeks per year.

The role offers a salary from £50,000 to £52,500 per annum, plus a car allowance of £5,760. You will oversee food quality, service, and operational standards while supporting Chef Managers and driving performance.

Qualifications

• Experience as an Area Manager or Operations Manager in contract or retail catering, managing at least 8 sites.
• Proven track record of leading multi-site teams with strong people management skills.
• Confidence communicating with kitchen teams to senior stakeholders.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to prioritise effectively.
• Strong proficiency with Office tools, spreadsheets, and presentations.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and develop teams to deliver outstanding results.
• Build relationships with clients, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Monitor and improve operational performance across your portfolio.
• Ensure food quality, hygiene, and compliance standards are met.
• Manage budgets and contracts including fixed-price arrangements.
• Support Chef Managers with recruitment, HR, and day-to-day operations.
• Present data, reports, and insights to demonstrate success.

Skills

Area Manager/Operations Manager exp

8+ sites management

People management

Stakeholder communication

Organisational skills

Office tools

Fresh food & service focus

Tools

Office tools

Spreadsheets

Presentations

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 Innovative, 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 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: Kent, South East London and East Sussex

Working Days: Monday to Friday

Shifts & Working hours: 45 hours per week

Working Weeks: 52 weeks per year

Pay Details: from £50,000 up to £52,500 per annum

What You'll Do:

• Lead, motivate, and develop your teams to deliver outstanding results
• Build strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and stakeholders
• Monitor and improve operational performance across your portfolio
• Ensure food quality, hygiene, and compliance standards are consistently met
• Manage financial performance, including budgets, commercial and fixed-price contracts
• Support Chef Managers with recruitment, HR, and day-to-day operations
• Present data, reports, and insights to demonstrate operational success

Who We're Looking For

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

• Experience as an Area Manager or Operations Manager in contract or retail catering, managing at least 8 sites
• A proven track record of leading multi-site teams, with strong people management skills
• Confidence communicating with everyone-from kitchen teams to senior stakeholders
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise effectively
• Strong proficiency with Office tools, spreadsheets, and presentations
• A passion for fresh, contemporary food and delivering outstanding service

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: £50,000 - £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

If you're ready to lead high-performing teams, make a real impact, and take your career to the next level, we'd love to hear from you!

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.