Regional Operations Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Healthcare

Company pension

Access to online learning platform

Wellbeing programme

Salary sacrifice electric car scheme

IFG Rewards high-street discounts

Annual Summer Party

Job summary

Impact Food Group (IFG) is seeking an experienced Regional Operations Manager to oversee a portfolio of schools, travelling between sites to maintain high standards of food, service and operations. The role is field-based with 45 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

The candidate will manage Area Managers, ensure Dolce standards across sites, achieve financial targets and deliver exceptional client satisfaction. Driving licence and strong people leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of managing others within management
• Experience in a multi-site, school catering environment is essential
• Ability to build effective client relationships and maintain high service standards
• Excellent communication, IT literacy and full UK driving licence

Responsibilities

• Oversee Area Managers with portfolios of multi-site contracts
• Ensure all schools operate within Dolce standards and meet targets
• Drive financial performance and client satisfaction across the region
• Inspire and develop Area Managers to deliver first-class service
• Maintain effective communication between Dolce and schools at all times
• Conduct regular quality audits and kitchen checks
• Ensure Area Managers understand menu details and portion sizes

Skills

People management

Multi-site management

Client relationships

Catering operations

Driving licence (UK)

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 includeInnovate, 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: Bracknall, Surrey, Watford, Peterborough, Cambridge

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 requiredtoundergo an enhancedDBS 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.