Head Of Operations

Overview

Compass Group Italia SpA, part of Compass Group PLC, the global leader in contract catering and B2B foodservices with over £32 billion in annual revenue, is seeking a Head of Operations to manage a prestigious international B&I client.

Based in Milan, the selected candidate will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating all of the client’s corporate foodservice operations across Italy, Portugal, and Spain, ensuring operational excellence, consistency of service standards, and achievement of financial and quality objectives.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop the relationship with the client, ensuring maximum satisfaction and compliance with quality standards across all markets.
• Coordinate and support local operational directors across the various corporate restaurants, canteens, coffee corners, and premium foodservice points.
• Oversee financial results, analyze costs and performance, monitor KPIs, and implement corrective and improvement actions.
• Lead innovation projects related to menus, processes, sustainability, and digitalization, sharing and promoting best practices internationally.
• Ensure compliance with HSE regulations and foster a safe and inclusive working environment.
• Promote training, development, and engagement of operational teams, identifying and supporting talent.
• Guarantee process consistency and simplification, driving initiatives to make the customer and end-user experience more efficient and of higher quality.
• Deliver on the client’s key objectives of User Experience, Operational Efficiency and Sustainability.
• Travel frequently across Italy, Portugal, and Spain to oversee sites and maintain client relations.

Requirements

• Proven experience (min. 10 years) in operational management of corporate catering, canteens, or premium foodservice outlets.
• Excellent operational knowledge of production, service, logistics, and quality processes within the foodservices sector.
• Strong IT skills, with excellent command of Excel and management systems.
• English fluent and proficiency in Italian, Spanish and Portuguese is preferable
• Strong leadership, communication, and people management skills, with experience leading multicultural, geographically dispersed teams.
• Results-oriented mindset with strong financial acumen and strategic vision.
• Availability for frequent travel across Italy, Portugal, and Spain.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to join a structured, international organization, working with a top-tier client.
• A strategic role with impact across multiple countries, contributing to the development of innovative solutions.
• A dynamic, collaborative work environment focused on operational excellence, with clear opportunities for professional growth.

Professionals with the background and skills described above, interested in a role of responsibility within an international context, are invited to apply.