Regional Operations Manager

Impact Food Group; Trowbridge; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Health insurance

Pension

Learning platform

Wellbeing programme

Electric car scheme

Discounts

Annual party

Job summary

Impact Food Group (IFG) is recruiting an experienced Operations Manager to oversee multiple school kitchens across Hampshire, Wiltshire, Andover and Bristol. The role is field-based and requires travel between sites to ensure Dolce standards, quality food, and exceptional service.

You will lead Area Managers, drive financial and operational targets, and develop teams. A driving licence and strong communication are essential as is a commitment to safeguarding and DBS checks.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated multi-site management experience, preferably in schools or catering.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• IT literate with standard office software experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Area Managers across multiple contracts and sites.
• Ensure compliance with Dolce standards and client satisfaction.
• Drive financial targets and maintain high-quality service.
• Inspire and support teams to deliver first-class service.

Skills

Leadership / people management

Client relationships

IT literacy

Driving licence

Education

Food hygiene qualifications

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 Mangers 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: Covering Hampshire, Wilshire, Andover & Bristol Areas

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

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.